Initial enquiries indicate he was using the forklift to place a stack of pallets onto storage racking when for reasons yet to be established the pallets fell and landed on the forklift’s overhead protection cage but also struck the back of his head. Investigations are continuing.
Forklift Safety Issues:
In warehouses, factories and other workplaces, forklifts are used to lift, stack and transfer loads. While forklifts are a practical materials-handling solution for many businesses, each year they are involved in many workplace deaths and injuries. The human and financial cost of forklift-related incidents for employees, industry and the community is substantial.
Hazards associated with forklifts include those arising from:
- power sources - electrical, hydraulic and mechanical
- its load-carrying capacity
- the type of loads being lifted and moved
- the size of the operating area and the slope or evenness of the ground
- blind spots created by the mast and other parts of the forklift.
- instability/tipping over – for example, carrying an unevenly balanced load; braking too quickly with a load; braking or accelerating while cornering; or striking low doors or overhead structures.
Possible Control Measures:
Forklift incidents can be prevented, especially when employees and employers work together to improve health and safety at work. Effective control measures to reduce the risks of forklifts are often made up of a combination of controls, and PPE cannot be sufficient (do you want to trust your safety to a hi-vis vest when facing down a forklift?)
Some common risk control measures can include, but are not limited to, the following examples.
Forklifts
- Forklifts should only be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
- Use a load backrest extension when handling high or segmented loads.
- Before moving the load, ensure it is secure and stable.
- Ensure loads are within the rated load capacity of the forklift at different lift heights and positions.
- Consider installing forklifts with swivel chairs and/or closed-circuit video systems to reduce neck craning and twisting.
- Ensure road surfaces are even and in good condition.
- Ensure the forklift seat is in good condition to minimise vibration and jolting, that it supports the back and has sufficient cushioning, and that the cabin is in good condition.
- The operator must hold a high risk work licence to operate a forklift truck or be an authorised trainee.
- Provide information, training, instruction and supervision to workers who will use the forklift including developing safe work procedures in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Consult workers to obtain feedback on the forklift along with associated work processes and safe work procedures.
- People should never be transported via forklift tines or on a pallet.
Racking
- Racks must be structurally sound and designed for the maximum load they will carry.
- Ensure that the design and installation of racking allows ready access to stock.
- Bollards should be erected at the ends of the racking to prevent structures from being bumped and damaged by a pallet jack or forklift.
- Physical barriers like railings, guards, bollards or posts should be installed to protect against impacts from falling items from racks, or vehicles and mobile plant such as forklifts or pallet jacks.
The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.
Reminders:
There are many duties that both employers and employees have around workplace safety, particularly in regards to forklifts. Workers should always report any issues or concerns they have about the operation of a forklift, and the employer should always listen and see what they can do to alleviate it.
If your employer fails to provide a safe work environment, then they have failed in their duties. You should feel free to escalate the issue if they refuse to change their ways. Everyone in the workplace is responsible for workplace health and safety - not just you.
Treat any 'near misses' as seriously as you would a real injury - just because it missed once doesn't mean it will miss again.
