THE
SAFETY ZONE
SPECIAL FEATURE SECTION Safety, Waste, and Your Warehouse page 2 The Top Five Forklift Accidents And Why They Happen page 4 Brush up on Your Safety Knowledge with this Forklift Safety Q&A page 8
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June 2020
Material Handling Network
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SPECIAL SAFETY FEATURE
Safety, Waste, and Your Warehouse to warehouse workers and can result in your business facing numerous worker’s compensation claims and suits.
Looking For Signs That Something Is Wrong
Making sure that your warehouse is safe for workers is essential to the continued success of your business. In addition to being the fiscally responsible decision, protecting warehouse workers from injury and illness while at their workplace is also just the right thing to do. While injuries from falls or misused equipment are common, there are also other ways in which warehouse workers might encounter unsafe conditions that aren’t readily apparent such as improperly disposed of waste.
Complying With Safety Regulations The production of waste — organic, chemical, or anything in between — is unavoidable no matter what a warehouse stores, packs, and ships. Ensuring that your company remains compliant with waste management and disposal regulations not only prevents you from potentially exposing workers to hazardous waste, but it also helps your business to avoid costly and serious consequences. The legal headaches that can be avoided by following safety regulations are endless and should be taken seriously. The proper disposal of biological waste such as medical waste or spoilage as well as chemical waste including batteries in addition to the chemicals that make them work is vital to maintaining OSHA compliance. Safety regulations revolving around waste disposal are put into place to protect your business, your employees, and the environment. Though they might seem like a hassle to strictly follow, they are incredibly important. Even as industrial safety is increasing overall thanks to advanced workplace technology, the risks associated with waste disposal are still very real. Hazardous fumes, burns, and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause serious damage 2
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Even if you follow the regulations and guidelines regarding the proper storage and disposal of waste in your warehouse, there is the possibility that a dangerous situation may still be brewing. For example, if you or your workers notice a sulfurous smell coming from the drainage systems in your warehouse, the system could be clogged, giving bacteria a chance to grow, and preventing the proper drainage of wastewater. Additionally, infestations in your warehouse of common pests like beetles, moths, rodents, or cockroaches can point to an issue with the warehouse’s waste disposal. Implementing a strict sanitation schedule can help to prevent infestations and show you what might have attracted the pests in the first place, be it improperly disposed food waste or something else. Over time, systems involved with waste disposal will need repairs even if regularly maintained, and keeping an eye out for signs that something is wrong can help you stay ahead of the curve. One of the best ways to ensure that you are not only compliant with health and safety regulations regarding waste disposal but that your systems are running optimally is through the implementation of regular safety inspections. Ensuring that your systems are functioning properly and that waste is being dealt with properly can be accomplished through strict adherence to self-imposed safety inspections. At the end of the day, making sure that waste is taken care of properly at your warehouse is good for the environment, your employees, and your business overall. Complying with regulations and keeping an eye out for signs that things aren’t operating properly are both excellent ways to ensure that your warehouse isn’t having any waste disposal issues. “Noah Rue is always wondering where his next trip will take him. When he’s not traveling the world, he writes about technology, workplace management, career development, and other interests. Noah also enjoys a good meme from time to time. For more of Noah’s work follow him on Twitter.”
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SPECIAL SAFETY FEATURE
The Top Five Forklift Accidents And Why They Happen to tip, many people are tempted to jump out of the forklift. This can cause a person to become trapped under the tipped vehicle. Instead, drivers should always wear a seat belt if provided, and never have additional people ride on what is not a proper seat.
2. Crushed between vehicle and a surface - 25% of all fatal accidents
OSHA estimates that nearly 856,000 forklifts are in operation in the United States today, and of those, more than 11% or 96,785 will be involved in an accident each year. With all the benefits forklifts bring to the workplace, there are also several hazards associated with their use. In fact, forklift-related citations are routinely among OSHA’s top violations every year. Between October 2015 and September 2016, 1,619 federal inspections led to 2,349 forklift-related citations and more than $4.2 million in fines. Most of these citations occurred in the manufacturing, transportation and warehouse, and wholesale industries. While forklifts play an important role in an operation’s efficiency, if not used correctly, they can cause serious injury or death. Below are the top forklift accidents, ranked by the number of reported forklift fatalities, as well as important information that will help your crews stay safe while operating a forklift.
The Top 5 Forklift Accidents Forklift accident statistics are sobering. More than 61,000 non-serious forklift accidents are reported every year, but nearly 35,000 accidents result in serious injuries. Each year, an average of 85 are fatal. When fatalities do occur, the top reasons are outlined below, according to OSHA statistics: 1. Crushed by vehicle tipping over - 42% of all fatal accidents Forklifts easily can tip over if loads are imbalanced, or the driver is excessively speeding. When a forklift begins 4
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The rear wheels of a forklift turn the vehicle, which cause the rear to swing outward. If a pedestrian is unaware the forklift is about to turn, and the driver is unaware of the presence of a pedestrian, that person could get trapped between the vehicle and a wall. Sufficient warnings and markings are important in the workplace as well to warn employees and visitors of forklift zones.
3. Crushed between two vehicles - 11% of all fatal accidents Forklifts can weigh up to 9,000 pounds and can travel up to 18 mph. Forklifts typically only have front brakes, which means it can be more difficult for them to stop. If drivers aren’t careful, collisions can occur, fatally injuring the drivers or any pedestrians that get caught in between the two vehicles.
4. Struck or run over by a forklift 10% of all fatal accidents Though this type of accident doesn’t occur as often, there have been reported cases of fatalities when workers have been struck or run over by a forklift. If a load is carried too high, it can impede the vision of the driver. Accidents also can occur when speeding or simply if a driver doesn’t see another worker when turning or putting the vehicle in reverse.
5. Struck by a falling material - 8% of all fatal forklift accidents Unsecured loads may fall, crushing the driver or other pedestrians. This can occur when the forklift is carrying the load too high. Operators should carry the loads as low as possible without dragging them.
Why They Happen There are several factors that play into why a forklift accident occurs. Though every incident is different, common causes include:
• Poor training • Speeding • Carrying elevated loads • Improper turns • Insufficient warnings and markings • Poor workspace design Accidents also have occurred when forklift operators have been too young to legally operate this type of machinery. Regulations outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibit those younger than 18 from engaging in certain hazardous occupational activities. This includes operating forklifts in non-agricultural employment.
How To Stay Safe When using a forklift, workers should do the following to protect not only their coworkers, but themselves as well: • Ensure the load is balanced and secure to prevent a tip-over. • Before lifting, make sure both forks are under the load as far as they will extend. • Drive with the load as low as possible to prevent vision from being obstructed. • Always look in the direction you are driving. If a load blocks the view, travel in reverse. • Stay in marked areas where forklifts are permitted. • Ensure your workspace has marked signage or other warnings that let pedestrians know forklifts are present. • Follow posted speed limits. • Use the horn at intersections or where pedestrians may be present. • Perform a daily inspection of all forklifts before use, including the forklift battery. It’s also important to not exceed the load capacity for the particular forklift you are using. This information should be visible to the operator, who should be aware that load capacities vary per vehicle. Most commonlyused forklifts carry anywhere between one and five tons.
Why Training Matters OSHA estimates that nearly 70% of all accidents can be prevented with the proper training. After all, no one begins a job with the innate knowledge and skills necessary to operate a forklift. Before employees drive forklifts, they must be trained to fulfill OSHA requirements. Under standard 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA requires the following: • Employers must provide a training program that
includes the general principles of safe operation, forklift hazards, OSHA’s general safety requirements and types of vehicles used. • Trained forklift operators must know how to perform their job safely, and must undergo a workplace evaluation. • The training employers must provide should include both formal and practical training. A combination of training may include lecture, demonstrations, practical exercise and video, for example. • Employers must certify that operators have received the necessary training, and must evaluate each operator once every three years. • Employers must deem the employee competent to operate a forklift before that person can operate one. Following the above safety tips and properly training workers to use forklifts is critical to ensure workers’ safety. While a forklift can be an important piece of equipment that increases efficiency, ensuring operators receive required training and follow basic safety procedures is an essential step toward fostering a safe workplace. Justin Forbes is the Director of Business Development at Flux Power. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego, and earned his MBA from Duke University. He is responsible for developing marketing and customer acquisition initiatives, along with creating new business growth strategies to increase sales.
CROWNS FOR SALE
MODEL QTY TSP6000-30 1 TSP6000-30 1 RR5225-45 2 RR5725-35 1 RR5725-45 5 RR5725-35 1 RR5785S-45 3 RR5225-35 3 RR5225-35 1 RR5220-45 1 RC5545-40 1 RC5545-40 2 RC5535-30 4 RC5545-40 2 FC4515-50 1 SC5225-30 1 SC5215-30 1 SC5245-40 1 SC4540-40 1 SP3550H-30 2 SP3480F-15 1 SP3520-30 2 SP3420-30 1 SP3420-30 3 SP3220-30 1 SH5520-40 4 PC4500-80 2 PR4500-80 3 PE4500-60 3 SLT35AC 2 SLT30AC 1 SL40 1 SLT30 3 SL40SE 1 SLT35HLC 1 SL44/4 1 R16 1
YEAR 2012 2010 2013 2013 2012 2011 2008 2007 2005 2005 2012 2011 2010 2007 2009 2014 2014 2011 2010 2009 2009 2008 2007 2007 2005 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2012 2009 2009 2008 2005 2004 2011
Contact Bob Harris: 205-637-7922
MAST 149/255 131/279 160/366 95/210 113/252 95/210 123/276 119/270 89/198 107/240 89/208 83/190 83/190 92/264 83/188 83/190 83/190 83/190 77/172 155/366 95/210 107/240 89/195 119/276 95/210 83/127 28x96 28x96 28x96 95/276 89/205 97/276 119/269 91/258 95/276 89/198 96/227
VOLT 48 48 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 48 48 48 36 48 36 36 48
Specs/Comments Turret Truck,Wire Guided,72” Aisle Turret Truck,Wire Guided,72”Aisle Rider Reach,S/S,42-53,20” Rider Reach,S/S,34-45”,16” Rider Reach,S/S,34-45”,16” Rider Reach,S/S,34-45”,16” Rider Reach,S/S,42-53”,20”batt box Rider Reach,S/S,34-45”,18” batt box Rider Reach,S/S,34-45”,16” batt box Rider Reach,S/S,42-53”,20”batt box Std-Up Rider,S/S,4 way Hyds,20” Std-Up Rider,S/S,20” Std-Up Rider,S/S,18” Std-Up Rider,S/S,20” 4 Whwwl Sit-down,S/S,27” 3 Wheel Sit-down,S/S,25”,4 way Hyds 3 Wheel Sitdown,S/S,16” 3 Wheel Sitdown,S/S,25” 3 Wheel Sitdown S/S,25” Stockpicker,60” wide,Wire Guided Furniture SP,4’ x 8’ Alum Platform Stockpicker,AC,42” wide,battery Stockpicker,42”wide,battery Stockpicker,42” platform Stockpicker,24v battery Walkie Stacker,S/S,42”ID,P/S Center Control Rider ,P/S End Rider,P/S End Rider Pallet Trk,,AC ,Freezer Drexel Swing Mast,48v battery Drexel Swing Mast,48v battery Drexel Swing Mast,Wire Guided Drexel Swing Mast,36v battery Drexel Swing Mast,48v battery,Wire Drexel Swing Mast,36v,battery Drexel Swing Mast,36v batter Linde,Sit-down Reach,Sliding Mast
midwest LIFT TRUCK SALES, INC.
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Forklift Academy created affordable forklift certification solutions for companies and individuals to comply with OSHA Rules and Regulations. Our training solutions include convenient online training, in person training at our training centers, on-site training at your location, and a master trainer’s kit for companies to establish and run their own program effortlessly. Our mission is to improve safety awareness for companies by providing effective and practical forklift training to ensure compliance with Federal regulations and to help companies avoid penalties and expenses associated with OSHA inspections. The company has been in the safety business for fifteen years helping companies with their safety needs. Our main office is centrally located in Southern California, with several locations throughout the US including Texas, Florida, Georgia, etc. Our qualified trainers cover the rest of the country on a regular basis. Our main goal is to provide comprehensive, effective, and affordable forklift safety training to help companies comply with Federal and State Laws
Locations in LA, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Reno, Dallas, Bakersfield, San Diego.
(877) 388-3239 WWW.FORKLIFTACADEMY.COM 6
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ON-LINE TRAINING
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes a provision that states, “only trained and authorized operators will be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.” The 1-2 hour online forklift evaluation training course will allow you to become a certified forklift operator in compliance with OSHA laws.
US TRAINING CENTERS
Forklift Academy offers classroom training in business markets around the United States. This classroom training is designed to help get your staff the safety training certification they need to be OSHA compliant. Our experienced trainers help ensure your operators are fully safety trained and complete the coursework and testing required for their forklift certifications. Forklift Certification training are OSHA accepted and valid for 3 years.
ON-SITE TRAINING
The Forklift Academy offers private, on-site training designed to help you get your staff the safety training certification they need to be OSHA compliant. Our experienced trainers can help ensure your operators are fully safety trained and complete the coursework and testing required for their forklift certification. The Price will depend on the number of people (more people more affordable), and location. We have qualified instructors across the USA ready to travel to your job site. Our Forklift Certification training are OSHA accepted and valid for 3 years.
TRAIN THE TRAINER
Complete OSHA Compliance Forklift Certification training kit includes, a CD power point presentation, FREE Forklift Operator Training Video, instructor guide, new OSHA regulation, forklift compliance and operator guide, daily inspection checklist, attendance sheet, written & driving tests, certificates (20), and wallet cards (20).
Locations in LA, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Reno, Dallas, Bakersfield, San Diego.
(877) 388-3239 WWW.FORKLIFTACADEMY.COM www.mhnetwork.com
Material Handling Network
June 2020
7
SPECIAL SAFETY FEATURE
Brush up on Your Safety Knowledge with this Forklift Safety Q&A Reinforce forklift safety among crews with these simple tips
Behind every successful warehouse or facility is likely a forklift fleet that keeps materials moving on a daily basis. These workhorses offer countless operational benefits, but introduce some workplace hazards, too. In order to ensure the health and safety of employees and, ultimately, keep business running smoothly, it’s important for forklift operators to comply with safety guidelines put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with regard to forklift operation, maintenance, and training. Beyond adhering to these procedures, forklift operators must also remain engaged, proactive, and not become complacent when working around heavy machinery. Here are a few common safety questions, reminders, and best practices:
What are the leading causes of forklift incidents? OSHA conducted a study to analyze forklift-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities and found that the top six causes were operator inattention, forklift overturn, unstable loads, operators struck by load, elevated employees, and lack of training.
What routine safety practices are often overlooked? • Examine the equipment before each shift. Operators should report any damages or problems to management and the forklift shouldn’t be operated if it needs to be repaired. • Wear personal protective equipment like hard hats, protective footwear, and high-visibility clothing when working around forklifts and other heavy machinery. 8
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• Buckle up. Overturned forklifts are a leading cause of forklift-related accidents and fatalities. By buckling up while in a sit-down forklift, operators can save themselves from getting crushed by the machine’s overhead guard or roll cage, in the event of an accident. • Know and never exceed the forklift’s lifting capacity. Load capacities can be found in the equipment’s operating manual and are also listed on the machine itself. By keeping loads within the weight capacity, operators can decrease the risk of tipping the machine. • Operate at a safe speed and sound the horn when visibility is blocked. Operators should sound their horn if vision is obstructed to alert pedestrians or other operators. Operators should also maintain slow, safe travel speeds and take corners and turns slowly to minimize the risk of tipping. • Use caution on grades and ramps to prevent tipovers. When descending a ramp with a loaded forklift, always travel in reverse with the forklift and payload pointed up the grade. And when traveling up a ramp with an unloaded forklift, always keep the forks pointed downgrade. • When left unattended, a forklift’s load should be fully lowered, its controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set. If the equipment is parked on an incline, operators can further secure it with wheel blocks. Propane is a widely used forklift fuel and currently holds about 90 percent market share for Class 4 and 5 forklifts, according to data from the Propane Education & Research Council. Because this fuel is a leader in the material handling market, propane-specific safety reminders are important for a wide variety of facilities across the country.
What safety measures should employees remember every time they operate propane equipment? • Inspect cylinders before operation. Check cylinders for rusting, dents, gouges, and leaks. Cylinders that show signs of wear or leaks shouldn’t be used and may need to be replaced, even if within the cylinder’s requalification date.
• Secure the pressure relief valve on the cylinder. Operators should check that the pressure relieve valve fitting is roughly 180 degrees from the forklift’s locating pin. • Close the service valves on cylinders when not in use. This helps prevent potential injury around internal combustion engines and unintended fuel loss. • Store propane cylinders in a secure rack or cage. These are generally located away from exits, stairways, entryways, and high-traffic areas. The cylinders can be stored horizontally with the pressure relief valves in the uppermost position, and operators should use proper lifting techniques when removing cylinders from storage and placing onto a forklift.
Can propane suppliers provide additional safety support or training? Local propane suppliers can serve as a great safety resource for businesses operating propane equipment, offering support in a variety of ways:
• Cylinders. They can inspect cylinders each time they’re exchanged and remove damaged cylinders from service; repair and replace worn valves and O-rings on the cylinders as needed, and help identify the most convenient location for cylinder cages so they don’t interfere with workflow. • Refueling. Propane suppliers’ priority is to make sure customers and their crews know how to properly and safely install cylinders on their forklifts. For facilities that refill their own cylinders on-site, propane suppliers can also train employees how to safely refill cylinders. • Training. Some propane suppliers offer additional safety training opportunities for forklift customers, too. Visit Propane.com/SafetyFirst to learn more about forklift safety. Jeremy Wishart is director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at jeremy. wishart@propane.com.
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SAFETY PRODUCT PREVIEW
Dual control boxes for safe, fast access on orbital wrappers
Are You Underestimating Your Employees’ Push/Pull Injury Risk?
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, has introduced dual control boxes on its fully automated TAB Wrapper Tornado Perfect Storm wrapping systems. Offered as an option, the dual control boxes are set on both sides of the wrapping machine to allow safe, quick, convenient access when operating in manual mode without requiring movement around the length of the system’s built-in conveyors. www.tabwrapper.com
Caster Connection, manufacturer of casters and wheels, collaborated with the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/ University Cooperative Research Center, who together, discovered the importance of replicating authentic movement for injury prevention in push/pull testing. www.casterconnection.com/osu-spine-research-study
Keeping people safe with floor graphics Floor graphics are an effective tool in many scenarios and are increasingly used to guide the public around a space safely. By reminding people to keep their distance, often acting as a visual barrier, floor graphics can play a key role in maintaining a safe but efficient flow of shoppers and other groups. However, if the intention is to protect people the last thing anyone wants is to create an injury risk. www.drytac.com
Airflow Solutions S.A.F.E. Structure Designs is pleased to announce the delivery of the custom RB211-535 Rolls Royce engine work stand to Airflow Solutions. S.A.F.E. worked with engine overhaul and repair professionals at Airflow Solutions to design a custom ergonomic maintenance stand for the Rolls Royce engines. The engine stand is adjustable allowing the technician to position the engine at the best height for the work being performed. www.safe-2.com
ITA announces Forklift Safety Day changes due to COVID-19 The impact of COVID-19 remains to pose challenges for our nation. Due to these challenges, this year ITA’s National Forklift Safety Day will be held as a virtual event, June 9, 2020 beginning at 9:00 AM EST. The day includes videos of speakers and presentations. www.indtrk.org 10
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HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud® Collision Prevention Service HAAS Alert’s collision prevention technology, paired with ECCO’s lineup of reliable lighting and safety solutions, sends digital alerts that warn drivers of nearby commercial and public service vehicles operating in the roadway. Drivers are notified through the Waze™ app on their mobile devices, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or compatible vehicle infotainment systems. www.eccosafetygroup.com
New Configuration Options for Lift Safety in Loading Docks Elevated work platform lifts, aerial scissors platforms and pit-mounted lifts in dock operations can pose risks to employees working on the lifts if safety is not provided. As employees use lifts to move material to and from the trucks and loading dock, the two gates on the Dock-Lift safety gates automatically close and lock into place as the lift elevates, forming a barrier for employees on the lift as they make the transition from the tractor trailer to the loading dock or ground level. www.mezzgate.com
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