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A recent article by a safety adviser examines forklift hazards in the workplace. Under OSHA standards, forklift operators should be regularly evaluated and retrained. Forklifts are one of the most common pieces of equipment used in industry

There are about 1.5 million forklift operators in the United States, according to a recent Georgia worker safety report. Forklifts are used in virtually every industry. Forklifts are also called Powered Industrial Trucks, PITs, or fork trucks. Many injuries and even deaths each year result from improper forklift use.

Anytime a forklift driver uses the fork truck in an unsafe way, he or she should be retrained. This includes retraining after every accident or “close call.” A good forklift training program will take several factors into account. One of these factors is the operator’s level of experience and demonstrated skill. Another is the type of forklift being used. Training should specifically address any hazards in the workplace.

A recent Georgia worker safety article demonstrates the importance of operator training to minimize injuries and fatalities. Many people are lulled into a false sense of security because the forklift controls are easy to handle. However, fork trucks cause many deaths each year.

Instability due to improper load balance is one of the major causes of forklift accidents.  An operator should never add more weight to the back of the forklift to balance the load and make the truck more stable. This is a very common mistake, but it can easily result in a serious accident. Adding weight to the rear of the forklift changes the center of gravity and often causes the truck to flip over, sometimes with deadly results.

Forklift loads must be moved slowly. If the steering feels light, that’s a sign that the truck is unbalanced. An unbalanced fork truck is difficult to control and can easily flip over.

Attachments are often added to forklifts, especially in the manufacturing industry. Every attachment must be approved by the manufacturer in writing, prior to use. Attachments change the safety rating of the fork truck. Once the manufacturer approves the addition, new tags or decals will be issued for the forklift.

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