Forklift truck accidents occur often in warehouses and other industrial settings. According to Forklift Truck Association, now part of UK Material Handling Association about 1300 accidents are reported yearly. However, the number of fatalities from forklift truck accidents have greatly reduced in recent years. In this News Article, we look as the most common forklift truck accidents and how to prevent them.
Collision with Other Objects
Collision with other objects such as stillages, racking, shutter doors, pillars or walls are the most common type of forklift truck accident. Forklift trucks are large, heavy machines and collision with other objects can cause considerable damage. Sometimes, forklift truck operator’s, especially novice operators, fail to appreciate how much space is needed to manoeuvre forklifts in a tight or restricted access spaces. This often results in the forklift truck hitting a wall or other objects like shelving or machinery.
Operator Falling Off the Forklift Truck
Another common accident is falling off the forklift truck. Most forklift trucks are fitted with seat belts. Employers must ensure that seat belts are worn at all times. If necessary fit guard rails to prevent operators slipping off accidently. The forklift operator should be trained to mount and dismount the vehicle safely and adjust the seat when necessary.
Forklift Truck Tipping Over
We recently covered this in a news article titled “How to stop a Forklift Truck Tipping Over”
Basically, provide appropriate training to all forklift operators. Keep the load balanced and stable, do not overload. Be aware when taking corners at speed, climbing hills and avoid kerbs and humps. Always wear a seat belt.
Falling Loads from a Forklift Truck
Forklift Trucks carry a variety of loads, from boxes and pallets to raw materials, barrels, cylinders, pipes and other loads that can fall if not properly secured. Falling loads are a major hazard to operators and pedestrians.
The causes of falling loads include not securing the load properly, moving, lifting or tilting the mast too fast, no backrest fitted and bent forks. To prevent loads falling, secure loads properly before moving and use banding or shrink wrap to ensure all materials stay on the pallets or forks.
Collision with Pedestrians
Forklift trucks often operate in busy warehouses with lots of people around. Collision with pedestrians should be avoided at all costs as it could cause serious injury or fatality. The causes of pedestrian collision could be due to operator fatigue, distracted driving and lack of warning signs and signals. All warehouse staff should be trained on the dangers of the forklift truck and how to avoid them. Wherever possible, keep pedestrians and forklift paths separate. Install safety barriers where pedestrians are likely to cross the forklift truck paths. If possible, operate forklift trucks at times when the warehouse is not busy/off peak or at night when there are fewer people on site. Ensure that forklift operators have plenty of breaks and do not work long shifts.
Collision with Other Vehicles
Often forklift trucks and other vehicles operate in the same vicinity. If possible, keep forklift truck and other vehicle paths separate and clearly marked and sign posted so that visiting drivers are aware of it. Provide rest areas for visiting drivers so that they do not wonder around the site unsupervised.
Ruth Wallace of Wallace Forklift Training London says “These are just a few the common forklift truck accidents. Forklift trucks operate in a variety of environments. Ensure that a risk assessment is carried out for all the tasks carried out by the forklift truck.”
Wallace School of Transport including Forklift Training in London is a fully accredited RTITB company with over 60 years’ experience. You can be trained either at your own work site or at Wallace Centre in Park Royal. If you have any questions, call Wallace Forklift Training on 020 8453 3440, choose option 3 or click here to email us.