OSHA Forklift Operation Compliance

OSHA Forklift Operation Compliance 

 

Forklifts come with a myriad of operational hazards that can not only compromise the time, materials, and productivity of a warehouse but also put their drivers and surrounding people in serious danger if not operated correctly. Forklifts that are overloaded can tip over, pedestrian safety can be compromised in busy big box stores, and truck-on-truck collisions can cause damage to property and personnel. ELOKON’s safety portfolio goes above and beyond to comply with OSHA’s safety requirements and offers a variety of cutting-edge devices that can help your fleet of forklifts maximize production while keeping human safety at the forefront.


In this article, we will delve into details of best forklift safety practices, OSHA forklift regulations, OSHA forklift safety rules, and some practical tips from ELOKON for operating your equipment safely and how their cutting-edge safety solutions can help.

OSHA Forklift Safety Rules

No one takes forklift safety more seriously than ELOKON, and our nearly 40 years of experience and safety product development have helped companies large and small all over the world make their warehouses and workplaces as safe as they can be. Our solution portfolio is unmatched, and whether used separately or in tandem, our devices help your company comply with the following OSHA safety rules:

  • Operate each vehicle according to the manufacturer’s intent and instructions
  • Always use the seat belt and any other safety device on the truck
  • Load material according to the make and model’s weight and load capacity to ensure stability and balance
  • Never raise or lower the forks while in motion
  • Be mindful of all vehicles and pedestrians in the surrounding area
  • Have clear visibility when maneuvering the forklift
  • Observe all speed limits in and outdoors
  • Only certified and authorized personnel should use the forklifts

Having a clear set of safety rules in place protects the personal well-being of all forklift drivers and other employees, a goal OSHA and ELOKON have in common. Reducing the accident rate promotes productivity by negating the time spent on truck repair, material cleanup, and incident reporting. A safe warehouse also ensures workers' rights are a top priority. At ELOKON, we understand that a streamlined safety system that is easy for employees to use protects your workers and encourages the proper use of your forklift fleet.

Forklift Operations

There are numerous potential hazards to drivers, nearby pedestrians, equipment, and materials. If a driver has not completed their forklift operator compliance requirements, accidents and incidents are more likely to occur. This causes loss of time, money, and materials, not to mention is dangerous for employees. Operating the forklift carefully and correctly results in higher productivity and keeps your warehouse safe. There are three key steps in proper forklift operation.


Pre-Operation Inspection

Drivers should complete a comprehensive preoperative checklist before starting the vehicle to ensure the forklift is safe enough to use. Checklist items can include:

  • Checking fuel and battery levels
  • Looking for any obvious physical defects such as leaks, cracks, or dents
  • Checking tire pressure and condition
  • Making sure the forks are functional
  • Ensuring all safety decals are present and readable, as well as making sure a user manual is present
  • Safety devices, including the seat belt, are fully functional

 

Traveling and Maneuvering

Once the driver has completed the preoperative checklist, operating the vehicle correctly is paramount to maintaining warehouse safety. Following an OSHA forklift checklist guarantees consistency and compliance every time one of your drivers uses a forklift. The following best practices should be mastered during your OSHA forklift training program and repeated every time a vehicle is in use.

  • Mounting and dismounting: The operator can avoid slips, falls, or head collisions by making sure their hands and feet are dry, wearing the appropriate footwear, and using the designated hand grips to get in and out of the truck. Using the steering wheel to mount or dismount is a safety hazard, as it could move the truck or the driver unexpectedly.
  • Starting and stopping: Drivers should ensure their paths are clear before putting the vehicle in motion. Always accelerate and brake slowly, and use the parking brake. If the driver is leaving the vehicle, they should turn off the ignition and block the back tires if parking on an incline.
  • Operate at the appropriate speed: Forklift operators should observe the warehouse conditions and drive the vehicle at the appropriate speed. Be on the lookout for wet floors, caution signs, and pedestrians. ELOKON’S ELOspeed device is particularly handy for helping drivers maintain the correct speed by using advanced radar sensors to automatically reduce speed in both indoor and outdoor settings.
  • Steering and turning: Maneuvering a forklift around a busy warehouse’s narrow aisles and blind corners can be difficult, which is why ELOKON invented the ELOshield proximity detection system. Its 360-degree radar system can detect people, obstacles, and other vehicles, alerting the driver with visual, audio, and vibration alarms if their forklift is too close to anything. This is especially useful in narrow aisles and high-traffic areas.
  • Visibility: It is crucial for the driver to be able to see their surroundings, and ELOKON’s automated safety system, ELOprotect, helps drivers, pedestrians, and machines avoid costly collisions with sensors that can detect obstacles up to 80 feet away.

Go back