Mistakes from Forklift Operators

Top 3 Mistakes Made by Forklift Operators

Does everyone who hops onto the seat of a forklift really know what they are doing?

Those who do might get a little too comfortable and might forget to take all the important care and precautions.

Forklift operators have a lot going on around them and they need a constant state of awareness for possibly other workers mistakes. Just one second spent distracted can have fatal consequences.

According to NIOSH, the three most common errors made by forklift operators are:

• Not lowering the load or forks as soon as possible
• Driving too fast
• Not looking behind before backing up

Naturally, there are some simple fixes for these problems:

• Try to keep the load low
• Drive slowly
• Always check behind before moving
• But above all, it's a matter of staying focused.

Impacts on Business

Forklift accidents also have business costs. Accidents translate to lost days, higher costs, and disruption of the production process. Depending on the severity of the accident, employers might also need to recruit and train new staff or pay compensations.

Safety Tips for Employers:

Train your workers. Make sure that only trained and licensed employees to operate the forklifts.

• Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive, written safety training program.
• Inspect and maintain forklifts.
• Set up a vehicle inspection and maintenance program and encourage operators to inspect their forklifts before each use.
• Regulate pedestrian flow.
• Where possible, keep forklift traffic separate from foot traffic.
• This can be achieved by designating some paths as pedestrian-only or restrict them to forklifts. Restrict forklifts near washrooms, break rooms, and main exits.
• Foster a safe work environment.
• Conduct workplace safety inspections routinely.

These inspections should be carried out by a person who can identify hazards and dangerous conditions, such as obstructions in the aisle and blind corners. Enforce safe driving practices, such as obeying speed limits and blowing the horn at intersections

Safety Tips for Operators:

• Do not operate the forklift unless you are trained and licensed.
• Wear your seat belt at all times when operating the forklift.
• Obey the speed limit and drive slowly.
• Drive with your load tilted slightly back.
• Raise and lower your load only when the forklift has come to a complete stop.
• Ensure that your load is always within capacity, secured, and stable.
• Stop and sound the horn at intersections, around blind corners, and in areas of pedestrian traffic.
• Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, especially when it is in motion.
• Wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating the forklift.

At the end of your shift, lower the forks, neutralize the controls, set the brakes, and shut off the engine. Inspect your forklift before each use and report any damages or problems to your supervisor immediately don't let down your guard, and remember the safety procedures.

For any information regarding forklift certification for all lifts in the US. Let us help, we provide training and certification for jobs Nationwide. Contact us toll-free at (888) 501-1355.  Or visit our website at All Purpose Forklift Training.

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