How can you reduce the risk of forklift accidents?
Operating forklifts is part and parcel of the daily operations of many companies. Whether loading or unloading goods, manoeuvring this device entails many risks. In France alone, more than 8,000 work-related accidents are associated with forklift driving. It is therefore essential to implement strict security measures to limit such accidents. Here are our tips to prevent forklift accidents in your company or warehouse.
The hazards
What are the risks associated with using forklifts?
While it may seem easy, driving a forklift can present various risks. These can affect the driver, goods and personnel. The most common hazards are:
- Ejection from the driver's seat in the event of a collision;
- Crushing of the driver or bystanders in the event of overturning;
- Trauma or injury due to falling loads or collisions
Of course, a forklift accident can also cause certain illnesses. These are usually related to poor maintenance of the device. These can include back pain, poisoning, hearing problems caused by the noise of the device, etc.
Equipment to be used to reduce forklift accidents
Safety solutions
To limit the risks associated with forklifts, it is essential to use personal protective equipment. Helmets, safety shoes, safety goggles and overalls are all essential protective items. You are also required to make use of collective protective equipment to secure the work area and eliminate potential hazards. Whatever your industry, Boplan has a suitable forklift collision protection solution for you.
Floor marking tape
Floor marking tape is part of the collective safety equipment that is essential to limit accidents. Among other things, it helps pedestrians to find their way easily by defining traffic lanes. It is also a type of marking for forklifts to avoid the risk of collision with pedestrians. Floor marking tape also prevents devices from colliding with each other. It is therefore obviously an essential piece of equipment in preventing a fatal forklift accident.
Collision barrier
At Boplan, we offer collision barriers to help you limit forklift accidents. Not surprisingly, these devices are designed to prevent collisions with stationary machinery and racking. A collision barrier protects your racking from impacts and jolts from forklifts. This ensures the stability of the rack and prevents potentially serious accidents. They are easy to install near stationary machines located within the traffic zone of the forklifts. This will help you avoid collisions and minimise the risk with the forklift.
Safety vests
It is important that everyone in the warehouse, store or company is clearly visible. This will prevent accidents between pedestrians and forklifts. You can then use fluorescent vests to ensure that everyone is easily visible. It is easier to offer them to pedestrians at the entrance, as well as to device operators. For forklifts, the vest can be accompanied by a high-visibility light to increase visibility.
Forklift accident
Transporting your materials safely
A device in perfect condition will minimise the risk of forklift accidents as much as possible. Once the device has been checked and loaded, the operator can start transporting the goods. However, this step is also not without its dangers. There are a number of forklift safety rules that must be observed.
Even the slightest unevenness in the load or the floor can cause the device to tip over. For this reason, we recommend that the forks are raised 15 to 15 centimetres above the floor. It is also safer to tip the load slightly backwards. In addition, you can follow these tips to maximise safety and avoid a forklift accident during transport.
- Never place a load on the overhead guard above the operator's seat;
- Keep your arms and legs inside the forklift cabin;
- Drive in reverse when the load obstructs visibility;
- Never move or slide the load from inside the device;
- Maintain the stability of the load while driving;
- Always drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions
In addition to the protective equipment mentioned above, these tips will help you to limit forklift accidents.
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Instructions to be observed for the working environment
It is not enough to use safety equipment and take the right actions during transport. If you want to reduce the number of forklift accidents, you must also comply with the instructions specific to the working environment.
The traffic plan
Every company is required to draw up a traffic plan for forklifts. This must take into account the layout of the premises and follow the rules of traffic regulations. This will allow forklift drivers to respect rights of way, roundabouts and signs. For convenience, separate the flow of vehicles, trolleys and pedestrians with floor marking tape. Also make sure that the instructions are accessible to everyone to ensure optimum safety.
Visual indicators
Traffic signs inform users of the hazards associated with forklift traffic. You can also provide specific instructions for forklift drivers as well as pedestrians.
Safety equipment
Depending on the area where the forklift is to be used, an appropriate safety device must be installed. For example, a toxic gas absorption device is required to avoid the risk of poisoning. This is even more important if the device is operated in a closed and unventilated area.
It is also advisable to ensure excellent lighting in the room so that the driver can see everything and drive safely. Also remember to provide each piece of equipment with its own fire extinguisher, in addition to the fire extinguishers available in the work area. These extinguishers must also be placed in a visible and easily accessible area.
Finally, it is essential that each device is fitted with front and rear lights to improve visibility. By following each of these tips, you can minimise the risk of a forklift accident.