Top 5 OSHA Forklift Safety Tips for Preventing Workplace Accidents
Forklift safety is important for maintaining a productive and hazard-free workplace. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provides clear guidelines to ensure that forklifts and other lifting devices are operated safely.
Here are the top five OSHA-approved safety tips to keep in mind when working with forklifts to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer working environment:
1. Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Forklifts must be thoroughly inspected by a competent person to ensure they can handle the maximum rated load. This inspection should occur before the forklift is used for the first time and at least once a year afterward, or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer. Keeping a detailed record of these inspections is crucial to maintaining safety standards.
2. Proper Use of Lifting Devices
OSHA requires that lifting devices, such as forklifts, be constructed with sufficient strength and equipped with suitable ropes, chains, slings, and other fittings. These components must be checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition and capable of safely lifting loads within their rated capacity.
3. Safe Operation by Competent Personnel
Only trained and certified personnel should operate forklifts. If an operator is being trained, they must be accompanied by a competent person at all times. This ensures that all forklift operations are conducted safely, reducing the risk of accidents. Are you curious how to become certified? Read our blog on how to become forklift certified here.
4. Avoid Overloading and Secure Loads
Never load a forklift beyond its maximum rated capacity. Additionally, ensure that loads are securely fastened and stable before lifting. If there is a risk of the load rotating or moving uncontrollably, guide ropes should be used to stabilize the load during lifting.
5. Maintain Control Over Lifting Operations
When operating a forklift, ensure that no part of the load passes over any worker, and always use guide ropes when necessary to control the motion of the load. Controls must be attended at all times when a load is in a raised position unless specific exceptions apply, such as with certain hydraulic hoists.
By following these OSHA-approved forklift safety tips, you can create a safer work environment and prevent accidents. For more detailed information on OSHA's guidelines and requirements, you can visit their official OSHA Forklift Safety page.
