What are the best ways to avoid forklift-related injuries?

One of the things I implement is consistent safety training to all staff - operators as well as those who work in an active forklift zone. One of the biggest dangers I’ve seen with forklifts is when people get comfortable or complacent with operating the forklift. With that in mind, between full training sessions, I will have a 5-10 minute quick meeting every other month just to remind people of the dangers. As one of the largest causes of injuries in the workplace, it behooves us to take the small amount of time to remind people that it is a tool that has safety implications and it is not something to take lightly. By setting time aside to discuss forklift safety, employees respect the seriousness of operating properly.

Training and certification, as mentioned above, is just the first step towards safe forklift operations. A novice forklift operator should still receive familiarisation training in order to understand site rules , layout, special circumstances, specific hazards and risks. The next steps are to coach, supervise and support the novice operator to become a confident and competent operator. Then, to avoid complacency, besides frequent auditing , monitoring and supervision, regular refreshers and retraining should be provided periodically (e.g. 3 - 5 year intervals).

I believe being mindful to your surroundings and having respect for the machinery, proper training and respect for the equipment and its potential harm it can cause if not taken seriously.

As well as familiarisation training for the operative, awareness training should be given to management so they are fully informed of the potential risks. Tool box talks carried out with operatives working in forklift areas will also give pedestrians an onsite into potential danger and making them less complacent.

One of my customers had two shifts and they had damages that were passed off as the other guy did it. One day they started a monthly giveaway that would be given to each person that would fillout a start shift check list. The reports of equipment damage went down and they cut their damages down by 95%. It cost him a fraction of the repairs and the saftey sky rocketed.

Creating a designated forklift area in a warehouse with clear walkways can indeed improve the safety of operations. It helps in separating pedestrian traffic from forklift traffic, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions. By providing dedicated space for forklift operations and ensuring proper signage and markings, you enhance visibility and help prevent accidents. Additionally, establishing clear pathways promotes organized movement within the warehouse, making it easier for both pedestrians and forklift operators to navigate safely.

By wearing appropriate PPE, workers are better protected from potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of injuries, occupational illnesses, or long-term health effects. PPE acts as a physical barrier and helps minimize the potential for accidents, providing an additional layer of safety in the warehouse. However, it is important to note that PPE should complement, not replace, other safety measures such as engineering controls and proper training.

By fostering a general consensus on the importance of safety and encouraging active participation from all employees, a warehouse can create a positive safety culture. This culture reduces the likelihood of incidents, promotes a safer working environment, and ultimately protects the well-being of all individuals involved.