Hazards associated with forklifts:
(1) rollover
(2) driving off from an elevation
(3) maintenance-related
(4) carbon monoxide (see 17.11.11, headaches from carbon monoxide)
(5) being struck or pinned by the forklift
(6) being struck by materials carried or dislodged by the forklift
(7) collision with another forklift or a motor vehicle
Risk factors for injury:
(1) inexperience
(2) playing or fooling around
(3) intoxication
(4) tiredness or exhaustion
(5) improper loading, with projecting or unbalanced load
(6) hurrying to meet a deadline
(7) unprotected cab
(8) going too fast or turning too sharply
(9) slick floor conditions
(10) poor visibility
(11) functional impairment from illness
Recommendations to reduce injury:
(1) Proper training of all forklift operations, including refresher and retraining.
(2) Matching operators with tasks, based on skill and experience level.
(3) Developing and enforcing rules for safe operation.
(4) Making sure that the center of gravity is low.
(5) Proper loading and unloading.
(6) Alarms to warn the operator of unsafe conditions (speed, balance, etc.)
(7) Use of seatbelts and other safety equipment to reduce injuries during rollover.
(8) Safety cage around the driver.
(9) Maintaining good lighting and visibility.
(10) Keeping the warehouse floors clean and dry, free of debris and slippery materials.
