Precast Inc. - May/June 2008 - (Page 62) S A F E T Y & H E A LT H Forklift Safety A conscientious training and maintenance program could save lives. Photos courtesy U.S. Concrete Precast Group – Phoenix By Mike Landis P owered industrial trucks (known universally as forklifts) are so common in today’s workplace that we sometimes take them for granted. But these machines that we rely on to do our heavy lifting can pose serious job-related hazards when not operated with safety at the forefront. It is estimated that in the United States alone, powered industrial truck accidents cause approximately 100 fatalities and more than 36,000 serious injuries in the general and construction industries. Of all of these incidents, it is also estimated that 20 percent to 25 percent of them are caused by lack of training or inadequate training. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 addresses the employer responsibilities for powered industrial trucks. Training is the key to the safe operation of a powered industrial truck. There are strict guidelines set forth by OSHA in MAY/JUNE 2008 | PRECAST INC. the 29 CFR 1910.178 standards that outline the responsibilities of the employer as well as the employee in the safe operation of the lift truck. The standards state that the employer shall ensure each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate the truck safely. With that statement, the employer must develop a comprehensive training plan which is to include formal instruction and evaluation of every forklift operator. Training content should always consist of operating instructions, warning labels, engine or motor operation, steering and maneuvering, visibility restrictions due to material loading, fork attachment, fork operation, vehicle capacities, vehicle stability, refueling or recharging of batteries, and operating limitations. In addition, the employer should also incorporate worksite conditions into the training program – for example, the type of surface on which the powered industrial 62
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