Forklifts have revolutionized the construction industry.
However, using them creates the risk of serious injury and death for drivers,
other employees, and pedestrians.
Although following
the rules for forklift operation – safety checks, maintenance inspections, and
so on –are time consuming, they're essential for workplace safety.
To help ensure that your construction projects stay
productive and accident-free, we'd recommend these guidelines:
· Designate walking and driving paths. Many accidents happen because a
worker was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Help prevent such incidents by
clearly marking paths for foot traffic and forklift lanes. Yellow tape is
easier to notice than signs, and won't become covered with dirt or debris like
floor marks.
· Have the right tires. A blowout could cause an accident or
halt productivity. The type of tire is perhaps the most important difference
between forklifts that only operate indoors and those used indoors. While
indoor forklift-tire sizes relate to truck weight, aisle and lift height, tires
for outdoor lifts aim to prevent punctures.
· Identify gradient inconsistencies. The floor gradient is an important
consideration because slight changes can cause a tip-over. This is the number one
cause of death and serious injury to forklift operators.
· Because forklift designs vary
significantly, choose the appropriate model. The first factor to consider is the maximum load.
Trying to lift a load that exceeds this capacity can damage the arms or cause a
tip-over. When possible, assign drivers who have experience with the model
you're using. If this isn't an option, make sure the driver understands the
limitations of this forklift and can do pre- and post-operation maintenance
checks.
Our agency's specialists would be happy to help keep your
staff and equipment safe on the job.