According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents annually. Statistically, that means one of every ten forklifts in the US will be involved in an accident every year.
An OSHA study found 25% of forklift accidents are due to inadequate operator training, but what about the other 75%? In today’s article we’ll review the most common forklift accidents and how to prevent them through: proper training, safety equipment and proactive technology.
Safety Solutions for Common Forklift Accidents
#1 Hitting or running over a pedestrian
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 20 percent of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian, and 36% of deaths forklift-related deaths are pedestrians. Proper training for operators and pedestrians, clear signage, floor tape and other safety solutions could dramatically lower this number.
Solutions:
Post warning signs and apply floor tape to designate forklift zones.
Use blue lights and pedestrian red zone lights to alert pedestrians to the presence of a forklift.
Even if pedestrians become “blind” to signs and tape, an approaching blue spotlight is hard to ignore. Similarly, a red light zone around the lift truck reminds pedestrians to keep a safe distance from heavy machinery and also prevents foot injuries and collisions from rear end swing. Similarly, a forklift back-up alarm audibly alerts pedestrians that equipment may be coming their way.
