Workplace injuries and accidents on construction sites sadly occur more frequently than anyone would like. According to statistics, a huge majority of these mishaps happen as a result of wholly absent or inadequate safety training and protocols. A machinery like a forklift can be a very dangerous kind of equipment if incorrectly utilized.
With most types of machinery, proper maintenance is the initial step towards maintenance. You should make sure that the equipment is working at an optimum level before attempting to utilize it and you must never attempt to use anything which doesn't seem to be functioning properly. Safety first!
In general, there are several relevant safety measures that are important to help using construction and warehouse machinery. For starters, the tines, shovels or other lifting components should never ever be used to transport people. This specific equipment is not a moving work station or an elevator. It is a heavy-duty piece of industrial equipment which has to be always respected.
Before raising any cargo, it is important to make certain that the cargo is properly balanced and settled on your forks. Any poorly or unwieldy centered object has a possibility of falling off the tines and potentially causing injury to co-worker or passers-by. Moreover, whatever is being transported could end up broken easily.
It is never acceptable to stand between a wall, the load or other surface and the forklift. From their position, the forklift operator might not be able to see exactly where you are and can accidentally end up crushing your arm in between things if you are not paying attention. It is never a wise idea to be hanging around equipment that is in use.
Follow and know the load limits of a particular machines load bearing characteristics. Extreme injury and damage can happen if you try to raise anything that is too large or too heavy. Furthermore, take note of the height and the speed of your load while you are moving it to make sure you are in the correct safety parameters.
Using a lift truck in a safe way could really lessen your chance of mishaps in the workplace. Injuries and product damage can be avoided easily as long as everybody takes the time to ensure they are following all the manufacturer's safety guidelines set out for that specific model.