Starting from warehousing, logistics, to the manufacturing industry, forklifts are used as vital equipment to support productivity. Forklift is the most important means of transportation used as a means of transportation and lifting of goods, especially for heavy goods.
The presence of a forklift can greatly assist the process of transporting goods, but these vehicles can also be dangerous and cause accidents if not operated carefully.
Just one example of a forklift accident that has occurred so far. According to data from Work Safe Victoria, work accidents due to forklifts are still relatively high. Forklift accidents that occur most often involve pedestrians, forklifts falling, operators falling from forklifts, operators being hit by loads, and forklift collisions.
The results of a 2014-2015 study conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK stated that the transportation and manufacturing industry sectors were the biggest contributors to accidents.
work and forklifts as the most common causative factors. As many as 23 operators were killed and about 500 others suffered minor injuries due to vehicle collisions at work.
For this reason, it is very important for forklift operators to pay attention to forklift safety. To keep you alert when operating a forklift, Compiled ten fatal mistakes that often occur when operating a forklift and tips to avoid them.
1. Operators do not understand the load capacity of the forklift
Carrying material exceeding the maximum lifting load causes the forklift to run unstable. This unsafe condition puts the forklift at risk of toppling over and crashing into objects or pedestrians around the work area.
Suggestion:
Forklift operators are required to attend training, so they can understand the correct and safe operation of forklifts. The operator will also understand the recommended capacity so as not to exceed the specified load weight. Before operating a forklift, the operator must also look at the load chart listed on the forklift. If the load chart on your forklift is damaged or unclear, you should immediately report it to your supervisor.
2. The operator does not understand the forklift route
There are still many forklift operators who do not understand the route situation and what obstacles will be passed when operating a forklift. Such as passing through areas with lots of pallets piled up, narrow areas, areas where many pedestrians pass, and uneven forklift path conditions. This lack of understanding can have fatal consequences for operators and other workers, such as the risk of a collision or the forklift overturning.
Suggestion:
Maintain a safe distance of about 3 meters between the forklift and pedestrians and other forklift drivers. If it is less than that, the moment of inertia received by the forklift can cause the forklift to fall. Make sure you feel confident and on the right track when passing through narrow areas and slow down when you want to go through corners or enter/exit doors.
3. Careless when transporting pallets
For pallets that are symmetrical or have a flat surface, it may be easier to transport than to transport objects that are irregular in shape or asymmetrical. Carelessness when lifting, moving, or lowering pallets that are not in accordance with standards can result in pallets falling, forklifts rolling/falling over, and even damage to storage racks.
Suggestion:
Make sure the pallets are lifted according to the standard to avoid accidents. Be careful when moving pallets as they are prone to falling and affecting your maneuverability. Also note that the load of the pallets lifted must match the load chart. Position the fork post leaning back, so that the load rests on the load support. Make sure the load is carried as low as possible with the road / floor, about 15 cm.
4. Not communicating with other workers when they want to operate a forklift
The warehouse is a very busy area, with so many other workers completing their tasks, it is very important that you always communicate with them when you are about to operate a forklift. Lack of communication and awareness of workers, can lead to the risk of collisions or crashing into other workers.
Suggestion:
Inform other workers in the work area that you will be operating the forklift. This can help them to always be careful when crossing the forklift path or working around the forklift operation area. Before the forklift starts moving, look and monitor your location/direction. Make sure it’s safe and start moving. Avoid operating the forklift quickly and keep the forklift at a distance from pedestrians and other vehicles while operating.
5. Operator slips when getting on and off the forklift
The occurrence of accidents does not always occur during the operation of the forklift. According to K3 experts, slips and falls are the most common causes of accidents in the workplace.
Suggestion:
Make sure you wear proper, non-slip shoes before operating the forklift. Make three point contact when getting on and off the forklift. You can hold the handle near the forklift steering wheel, while the other hand holds the forklift seat. This will prevent you from slipping when getting on and off the forklift.
6. Running out of battery or hydraulic fluid while operating the forklift
This will not be dangerous if the forklift is moving on an area with a flat surface, what happens if the forklift is moving on an uneven surface? Of course it will endanger you and the forklift that is carrying the load.
Suggestion:
This is the importance of checking the forklift. Always check the battery or hydraulic fluid in the forklift before operating. Especially for forklifts that use batteries, charge the battery when it reaches 20 percent, don’t wait until the battery runs out. If this event has already occurred, immediately report to the user manual or your supervisor about the condition of the forklift.
7. Operator forgot to check the forklift:
Forklifts can be dangerous if they are not checked regularly and an operator is responsible for it.
Suggestion:
Forklifts must undergo a thorough inspection before being put into operation. Carry out routine maintenance and repairs on the forklift to ensure the forklift condition will always be safe.
8. Operate the forklift above the recommended speed
Operating the forklift quickly and recklessly makes it difficult to control the forklift. This will endanger yourself and others. Forklifts can lose balance and roll over, then you are hit by a load or the forklift hits other workers.
Suggestion:
Pay attention to the speed limit of driving a forklift. Don’t joke around when operating a forklift and don’t overtake other vehicles, especially around corners and work sites with obstructed views.
9. Parking the forklift carelessly
Parking the forklift carelessly can endanger the surrounding area. For example, you forget to apply the handbrake, the forklift could move and hit objects or people around it.
Suggestion:
If you are leaving the forklift, we recommend:
Park in a safe and level place.
Position the forks as low as possible to minimize the risk of others tripping over the forklift forks.
Apply the handbrake and block the tires if necessary.
Turn off the engine and remove the ignition key.
10. Forklift abuse
As we discussed in the previous paragraph, forklifts can be dangerous if not operated with care. Using a forklift that is not in accordance with its designation can endanger your own condition and that of others.
Suggestion:
Avoid joking and reckless when operating a forklift. Do not use a forklift for any purpose, such as transporting passengers or using a forklift to lift people working above it. Remember, forklifts are not lifts!
Always wear a seat belt before operating a forklift. For safety, you decide!
