Developing a Forklift Safety Plan

Forklifts are essential machines for many workplaces. However, a proper forklift safety plan is also necessary for safe operations. Some companies outsource the forklift safety plan and training, but we find many companies must develop their own.

A forklift safety plan discusses how the employees will interact with the forklift, whether they operate it or not. By making employees aware of the forklift and its operations, we find we can reduce the rate of accidents.

Maintenance Duties

Part of a forklift safety plan addresses the maintenance and storage of the machine. By considering these items well before the machine needs care, there will be less downtime. We find that it helps productivity immensely.

Additionally, part of a forklift safety plan is specifying a person to oversee the forklifts. This supervisor manages the maintenance concerns, as well as any questions regarding operation. By establishing this chain of command early, there will be less confusion overall.

Operating Rules

Forklift safety plans also specify the rules of operation that each employee follows. That starts before the employees turn on the machine. Items like safety vests, mens steel toe work boots, and a rested state all fit the forklift operating rules.

We also know that forklift safety plans that are developed internally take into account the facility limitations better. This distinction lets each forklift safety plan reflect reasonable speeds, load restrictions, cornering procedures, and more. Overall, that tends to make a safer plan.

Additionally, the forklift operating hazards are unique to each environment. Hazards like troublesome corners, old lane lines, and even persnickety overhead doors can be addressed in a forklift safety plan that a business develops.

Training Guide for the Forklift Safety Plan

The other item a forklift safety guide emphasizes strongly is training. We know that all the excellent documentation in the world does no good unless people are familiar with it. Forklift operators are the primary target of this training, so they can safely run the machines.

Under OSHA, companies manage their own forklift operator certifications. OSHA does specify that a trainer with relevant experience must teach new operators how to run the machine. Additionally, forklift operators receive recertification every three years on company policy. That’s a lot of possibilities.

Lastly, companies can build an abbreviated introduction to the forklift safety plan for non-operators. We find that when pedestrians understand the forklifts and how they move, there are fewer accidents. We know that’s a change every company aspires to. Check out the best waterproof steel toe boots.

Browning, Susie. “Sample Forklift Safety Plan.” Lassen Canyon Nursery, www.lassencanyonnursery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FORKLIFT-safety-plan.pdf. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.

“OSHA Forklift Training FAQs.” J.J. Keller, www.jjkeller.com/learn/osha-forklift-training-faqs. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.

“Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklifts - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.” OSHA, United States Department of Labor, www.osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.

“Powered Industrial Trucks ETool: Operating the Forklift - Traveling & Maneuvering.” OSHA, United States Department of Labor, www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/operations/maneuvering.html. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.

Weyers, Ryan. “How to Start Developing Your Own Forklift Safety Training Program.” Conger Industries Inc., 16 Sept. 2020, www.conger.com/start-developing-forklift-safety-training-program.