As a business owner, you likely already know how important forklifts can be for a wide range of roles and industries. Forklifts make the movement of heavy loads possible and boost productivity for your team and your business—but they also come with serious risks that must be managed and considered. Without proper safety measures, forklifts can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Forklift use is regulated by OSHA, which considers forklifts a type of powered industrial truck (PIT) that is held to PIT standards. In addition, the National Safety Council notes that forklifts were the source of 70 work-related deaths in 2021 and more than 7,000 nonfatal injuries involving days away from work in 2020. Given these risks, let's take a closer look at how your business can ensure forklift safety and prevent injuries on the job.
The Importance of Forklift Safety
Forklifts are powerful (and often essential) machines capable of moving heavy loads, but they can also cause accidents when used improperly, leading to severe injuries as well as damage to property. By implementing safety measures, business owners can prevent accidents and protect the well-being of employees. At the same time, implementing proper safety guidelines will enhance productivity and operational efficiency for your business.
To begin with, consider OSHA's requirements for forklifts. As laid out on their website, all forklifts "shall meet the design and construction requirements for powered industrial trucks" established by ANSI, with exceptions for vehicles used for earth moving or over-the-road hauling.
1. Know the Requirements and Hazards
The first step toward forklift safety is knowing the requirements (set by OSHA and ANSI) as well as the potential hazards of forklift operation. OSHA estimates that 70% of errors can be prevented by properly training operators, so training is an excellent place to start. Consider OSHA's standard that requires employers to develop a robust training program that takes into account the principles of safe operation, possible hazards, and more. Employers are required to provide "formal and practical training," including a certification process, before any employee takes control of a forklift.
Business owners and employees must also be familiar with the possible hazards of forklift use in order to avoid them in the workplace. These include unsecured loads that fall and crush pedestrians or drivers, forklifts that tip over, workers that fall when standing on the forks, visibility issues, and improper floor markings, all of which can lead to serious injury or even death if not addressed properly.
2. Know the Classes
Business owners and employees should be familiar with the commonly used types or classes of forklifts, as recognized by OSHA. Each type is different and the safety considerations may differ depending on the class:
- Electric Motor Rider Trucks
- Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
- Electric Motor Hand Trucks or Hand/Rider Trucks
- Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Solid/Cushion Tires
- Internal Combustion Engine Trucks with Pneumatic Tires
- Electrical and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
- Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
3. Develop and Implement Safety Training
Business owners in workplaces that involve forklift use must develop and implement a safety training program according to OSHA guidelines. The training program must be based on the "general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicle(s) being used, the hazards they create, and the general safety requirements" of the OSHA standard.
Forklift operators should be evaluated to ensure they know how to operate the equipment properly and safely, and employers must also certify that each operator has received the training, with performance evaluations every 3 years (at a minimum).
4. Equipment Maintenance and Inspections
There are a number of possible hazards related to equipment maintenance and inspections that business owners and employees should be aware of. OSHA regulates forklift maintenance as well, and their standards address chemical hazards and physical hazards that forklift mechanics may be exposed to on the job. For more information on these requirements, see OSHA's standards for vehicle maintenance.
5. Communication
Promoting forklift safety through communication and the use of warning signs in designated areas is another crucial safety step. By strategically placing clear and easily recognizable warning signs throughout the facility, and especially in areas where forklifts are used, businesses can foster a culture of safety awareness. These signs serve as constant reminders for both forklift operators and other employees to adhere to safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employees should always wear and use proper PPE—and as a business owner, you should ensure that the right PPE is always available to employees operating or working near forklifts and similar equipment. Examples of PPE that may be necessary include:
7. Investing in Technology
It's also important to invest in appropriate technology and infrastructure that can enhance forklift safety within your workplace. By equipping your forklifts with safety devices such as backup alarms, proximity sensors, and cameras, you provide essential assistance to forklift operators, enabling them to maneuver more safely and efficiently within the workspace. These advanced safety features act as an extra set of eyes, alerting operators to potential hazards and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, creating designated pedestrian walkways, separate from forklift traffic areas, can minimize the risk of collisions between pedestrians and forklifts.
Forklift safety is of paramount importance for small businesses and is necessary to reduce injuries, prevent damage, and even boost productivity. As small businesses often have limited resources, prioritizing forklift safety is a proactive and cost-effective approach to prevent accidents and protect employees. By fostering a culture of safety, following all OSHA regulations, and investing in preventive measures, small businesses can create a secure working environment that not only safeguards their workforce, but also contributes to their business's success in the long run.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.