Each year, the material handling industry dedicates a day to increasing awareness and the importance of safety around forklift operations – National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD). This year, on the 13th of June, we come together once again to revisit, learn, and reinforce safety practices that should be central to forklift operation. This year’s theme surrounds ‘Safe Sites Save Lives’, with a specific focus on on-site safety for engineers and operators to carry out their tasks with confidence.
The Importance of Forklift Safety
Forklifts are indispensable machines in many industries, however, due to their size and capabilities, they can also carry significant risks if not handled correctly. According to the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), around 1,300 forklift accidents occur each year, with many that could be prevented with proper safety measures and operator training. National Forklift Safety Day is an essential reminder of the role we each play in ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved, whether you’re a fleet owner or someone who works with forklifts daily.
Here at KS Lift Trucks, we believe forklift safety is paramount, and so we are eager to promote and support this national event. To enhance safety at our premises and for staff members who are working off-site, we ensure all of our team is trained to the highest of standards, to not only make sure they are safe but to safeguard all of our customers too.
How To Improve Safety
Training and Education
One of the fundamental steps towards improving forklift safety is providing comprehensive training and ongoing education for all operators. A well-trained operator is not only more efficient but also significantly safer, equipped with experience and knowledge to ensure safety measures are met. Doosan has created a poster with daily checks that everyone should perform when working with forklifts.
Regular Inspections and Servicing
Performing regular inspections is crucial in identifying and fixing any potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards. These checks should involve inspecting the brakes, steering, controls, warning devices, masts, and tyres. Not only are inspections and servicing beneficial for reducing downtime and repair costs but they are also required by law. Specifically, LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 examinations need to be completed every 6 to 12 months, depending on whether the machines are lifting people. These thorough examinations are performed to make sure all equipment is in safe working condition. For those who require an inspection, we are CFTS accredited under the Quality Assurance Procedural Code for the conduct of thorough examinations, so you can rely on us for safe apparatus.
Proper Loading Handling
Incorrectly handled loads can result in accidents. Operators should be trained in understanding load capacity, load stability, and the proper methods of stacking and de-stacking. Trainers and operators should refer to the manufacturer’s manual for machine loads, to ensure their weight is not exceeded.
Creating a Safe Environment
Finally, the key focus of the day is to promote a safe operating environment for all engineers, operators, and pedestrians. Your site should have marked pedestrian walkways, well-lit and clean work areas, adequate signage, and a set of well-communicated and enforced safety rules which are appropriate for your business operations. If you need some help understanding the minimum requirements of on-site safety, the UKMHA created the Safe Working Area Charter, containing a list of safety measures that should be adhered to, to deem a site as a ‘safe working area’. Feel free to click the link below to view the minimum requirements.
UKMHA Safe Working Area Charter
At KS Lift Trucks, we believe every day should be Forklift Safety Day, however, this national event provides an opportunity for us to spotlight safety and reinforce our ongoing commitment to it. We invite all our customers, partners, and anyone who operates or owns a forklift to join us in raising the standard of safety across the industry.
National Forklift Safety Day is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking action! As we approach this important day, we urge everyone in the forklift industry to take a moment to reflect on their safety practices and make necessary improvements. By doing so, we can collectively create safer working environments and continue to elevate our safety standards.
If you require any more information on forklift safety or would like to book a service or thorough examination with us, please contact us on 01257 452296 or email info@kslifttrucks.co.uk and our expert team will be happy to help!
