Reports show that forklifts were involved in 7,290 injuries in the workplace in 2020. These were nonfatal injuries that resulted in the employees having to take time to recover.
If you don’t know how to operate a forklift, there are certain safety concerns. This is a large piece of equipment, and you need to make sure you are following safety precautions.
Many incidents involving forklifts could get avoided with certain steps in place. Anyone who works with a forklift should understand the dangers and have a safety checklist that they follow.
Keep reading to find out more about how to operate a forklift safely.
Pre-Operation Inspection
One of the most important forklift safety tips is to do pre-operation inspections. This is necessary and should be a part of your routine before getting in the forklift.
You want to make sure that everything is in good working order before starting it up. This simple step can help you to avoid accidents from very minor issues.
This is also called a visual inspection as you look over the forklift. Forklift breakdown is very common, and you want to make sure that everything is safe to use.
Common things to check for are fluid leaks or hoses that are not secure. You will also want to check the wheels and tires for air pressure and any visible damage.
The battery should be charged, and any bolts, nuts, or chains should be safely secured. It is also a good idea to check the inside of the forklift to make sure everything is where it should be.
Most forklift accidents can be avoided by thorough driver training provided by the company.
Make Sure You’re Equipped
Part of operating a forklift safely is to also make sure you are equipped to drive it. A broken forklift can cause severe damage to property or to yourself.
You should be wearing dry gloves that allow you to grip things as you use the forklift. You should also be wearing clothing that is not restrictive, allowing you to move freely.
Your shoes should also be free of anything greasy or slippery that could cause you to fall. You should also be wearing a heavy-duty pair of boots to give you traction and better safety.
If you want to know how to operate a forklift, these are some of the vital tips you should know. Forklifts can be hazardous but these dangers can be avoided with a little forethought.
How to Operate a Forklift Safely
Forklifts must go through regular repairs and maintenance for better protection. If you want to know how to operate a forklift, this will guarantee better safety for everyone involved.
Aside from following these tips, you should also have your forklift serviced about every 6 weeks.
Do you need your forklift serviced or replacement parts? Contact us today at Superior Industrial Products for forklift services and repairs.