Forklift Safety and Forklift Training:
Forklift safety training is really the employer's responsibility. It is in the best interest of the employer to spend some money on forklift training for all staff. Improperly operated forklifts can cause property damage. Companies can be sued if there are injuries. It's worthwhile to ensure that anybody operating a forklift is properly trained to do so.
The best way to guarantee safe forklift operation is to require each worker to attend a forklift training program.
The basics of using a forklift should be learned by all the staff. Safety information should be provided in the form of handouts, and posted in warning signs and posters. The following are several essential forklift safety and training tips:
1) An employee can only utilize a forklift if he or she is qualified. Never take risks with such huge machinery. Forklift training must be taken really seriously.
2) Forklift operators must always utilize seat belts. Just because the forklift moves slowly doesn't mean that seat belts can be disregarded. Accidents are less likely to result in personal injuries when seat belts are worn.
3) A system wherein workers report instances of mechanical problems or damage should be established. As the employer, you have to create an effective and efficient reporting system which is easy to learn. Workers should be properly trained in forklift basics so that they could detect and report problems when they occur.
4) Training staff to lean away from the turn, and stay in the cab even when there is a chance of overturning is really vital. Workers must not jump out. That's the best way to avoid serious injury.
5) Employees have to be trained to know a forklift's weight capacity limit. A major cause of forklift mishaps is related to tip overs caused by lifting extremely heavy loads. Workers must be well aware of how much they can safely carry. A tip over can damage the whole forklift. Overloading is the biggest safety mistake an employee can make.