8 Most Common Situations That Cause Forklifts Accidents
Here are situations likely to cause forklift accidents
Inappropriate use Poor operation of forklifts encourages accidents. Taking sharp corners, racing, and speeding are serious hazards to loads, forklift operators, and the truck. These actions increase the chances of accidents including unit tip-overs and collisions. When these happen, there’s a likelihood of equipment damage, injuries, and fatalities. Forklifts need operating on purposes such as handling safe loading and unloading heavy goods or palletization. It is very important to ensure that forklifts are not operated without the intended purpose to lessen the chances of accidents. Most important is to make sure that operators have valid certification and appropriate training. Possession of forklift driving skills ensures that operators understand their obligation to keep the workplace safe.
Poor traffic management Apart from workers, sometimes visitors and clients can come to your workplace. So, measures are required to avoid these from getting struck by passing forklifts. It is a great idea to buy red zone forklift light as part of the workplace traffic management plan. The light allows pedestrians to realize that there’s an oncoming forklift nearby. You can back the safety lights with other safety measures including line markings and guard rails. These are for separating forklifts from pedestrians while at the intersection. This avoids fatalities and injuries to maintain an accident-free workplace environment.
Poor load handling Each forklift has a maximum load limit according to the manufacturer. So, overloading the truck is a serious hazard since it decreases load stability for lifting by the tynes. This increases the chances of falling and tipping the truck to put the operator at risk. Additionally, such accidents cause load and property damage. Other forklift accidents result from unsecured loads falling off the tynes or trucks tipping overloads causing severe damage and injuries. Operators should ensure loading forklifts without exceeding the load limit. So, it is imperative to understand load weight before lifting to avoid the problems mentioned above. Equally important is to secure all loads appropriately before lifting to avoid falls. Poor floor conditions
A workplace with poor floor conditions increases the chances of forklift accidents. Having a floor with debris, obstructions and puddles create a safety hazard. Forklifts are prone to skidding on wet and slippery floors. Additionally, floors with potholes and cracks put forklifts at risk of tipping over. To avoid such accidents, cleaning wet and slippery floors is strongly recommended. Additionally, remove any obstructions and debris to avoid chances of tipping over. Overhead obstructions The presence of overhead obstructions including low handing doors or mezzanine levels is potential forklift hazards. While transporting loads, raising tynes high might cause collisions resulting from obstructions. These might potentially damage the truck or load. Moving loads with tynes lowered a short distance from the ground to limit collisions.
Operators need to check the rating plate to determine the overall height for lowering the forklift. Another solution to avoid collision resulting from obstruction is marking the clearance levels throughout the workplace. Inappropriate refueling and recharging Another situation that might cause forklift accidents in the workplace is poor refueling and recharging. The combustion capacity of LPG gas and diesel fuels during refueling or recharging might cause fires. Recharging forklift batteries generate gases with a combustibility risk to present a risk of electrocution in case of exposed wires. Having designated refueling areas eliminates any risk that might put the operator or property at risk of injury or damage. The refueling area should be free from tools and cigarettes that might spark a fire. Additionally, the refueling area needs proper ventilation for toxic fumes to go away and limit the possibility of fire outbreaks. Presence of blind spots When operating a forklift, blind spots have the potential to cause situations that might lead to severe injury. Fully loaded forklifts might obstruct the operator’s view. Additionally, poor visibility resulting from bad weather and poor lighting might cause accidents. To avoid these accidents, directing the truck away from blind spots is very important. Additionally, having spotters to direct the operators also helps avoid obstacles and blind spots.
Poor equipment maintenance
Finally, lack of appropriate forklift maintenance also increases the chances of accidents. Operating forklifts with broken lights, damaged chains, worn tynes, and leaking fluid put everyone at risk. It is very important to have a maintenance plan in place and for operators to always check the trucks before use. Doing this allows noticing parts that need replacement or repair to ensure that the trucks are working in good condition. Wrapping up Forklifts help make work easier by loading and unloading heavy loads for smooth operations. However, there’s a need to have measures that aim at avoiding some of the most common situations highlighted above that might cause forklift accidents.
Source :- https://www.atoallinks.com/2021/8-most-common-situationsthat-cause-forklifts-accidents/