|
Safety is first when operating a forklift...
When I began my job at a local computer store,
I was given training on the forklift. I would never use the equipment because I did not work in the warehouse
but it was long and involved, very precise and necessary. Forklifts are large machines that can lift many
times over a human's body weight. Therefore, forklift safety is a number one priority amongst people who
would be using these machines directly.
OSHA (Occupational Saftey and Health Administration)
certified forklift training is very long and involved but interactive. I took the training myself and
it has quizzes along the way to make sure you are keeping up. The first step in forklift safety is familiarizing
yourself with the machinery itself, from the tires to the gears to the data plate which tells you how
much of a load it can bear.
One very important section of the training
is the part where they explain how you can get injured while operating a forklift. They first show you
the pinch points, which are where the tire meets the metal and near the chain lifts. And, just like rides
at amusement parks, they warn to always stay in your vehicle and keep your hands and feet inside. They
also tell you what to do in case the forklift were to tip over: don't jump, brace yourself with your feet
and hold on.
A lot of the basic things they tell you
are common sense. These include precautions to take while driving. Always come to a complete stop before
making a turn. Never stand underneath a lifted load, even if the engine is off. They warn that the forklift
is not a taxi service and should only carry one person at a time. Of course, always wear your seatbelt
and sounds your horn when backing up.
Forklifts cause about 85 fatal deaths each
year. OSHA also reports that 34,900 result in serious injury and 61,800 are non-serious. Forklift safety
is very important in any setting where the machines will be used. Out of the 855,900 forklifts in operation
in the United States, 11% will be involved in some sort of accident each year. Any employer should maintain
a forklift safety test before letting anyone use them.
|
