Top 5 Forklift Safety Violations

Forklift safety violations are occurring in the facility every day. Many of us know the dangers of operating a forklift, but most think it’s very easy. That’s because the certified and experienced drivers make it appear simple. For instance, while attending a sporting event, there were forklifts and bobcats that came out onto the field to fix and repair the ground. The operators were certainly experienced as they accomplished it with speed. A comment was made as to how skilled the operators were, but the return comment was, “nah, that’s easy.” “It can’t be that hard.” When anyone is good at what they do, it should look easy as they are proficient. That’s what gets others to learn about it. But for lift trucks, these are dangerous machines that need training and experience. This is how forklift safety violations occur. Let’s take a look at a few.

What are Forklift Safety Violations?

Forklift safety violations are the most common identifiable situations in which a forklift accident can occur. It contains bad judgement prior to the violation act, and if the person has the knowledge and understanding, that would be a great first step in controlling forklift safety violations.

Violation #1: Lack or No Training

Forklift safety training is a critical aspect for the operator. We all know that. But what about forklift safety training for the pedestrian or worker in the facility? If workers and forklifts are to be together working side by side, then workers need to be trained so they don’t think that it’s that easy and safe to operate.

Violation #2: No Pre-Operation Inspection

Before each use, the lift truck needs to be inspected. We know how this can go: quickly check the boxes because the operator knows the sheet by heart. The best way to ensure inspection is with a digital checklist with randomized questions and / or answers. This keeps them reading and paying attention to the health of the lift truck.

Violation #3: Defective Lift Truck

If there is a problem with the forklift, stop using it! Get it to maintenance for an inspection to ensure proper working order. It sounds simple, but many operators keep using the lift truck and say, “I’ll take it in later…when my shift is done.”

Violation #4: Driving with an Elevated Load

It always starts with an operator justifying a few inches…that move to a few feet…that moves to down the aisle. Many have been crushed with falling loads. Simply look in the news and you’ll find recent accidents.

Violation #5: Driving too close to the Edge of a Platform

There are numerous videos out there with forklifts falling off the edge of a platform. If you ‘see’ it can happen, why take the risk. But operators often do think that they have control and nothing will happen. So did the person in the video.

Forklift Safety Solution

The best way to ensure safety is to invest in a forklift safety system. It can ensure the following will happen:

• Ensure a forklift operator is certified. The system manages the certifications and will send reminders to get it done. If not, the forklift won’t start.
• Ensure the forklift inspection is completed. If not, the forklift again won’t start.
• If the operator isn’t wearing a seat belt, the forklift won’t start.
• Driving too close to workers, this is a great use of a pedestrian detection system with audio and visual warnings to keep everyone safe.

Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.