National Forklift Safety Day

The second Tuesday in June—or June 13, 2023—is National Forklift Safety Day. The event is sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association and will be held in person in Washington, DC, following the virtual events of the past two years. Even if you can’t attend in person, this annual reminder is the perfect opportunity to review forklift training and safety in your facility.

The Importance of Forklifts

Forklifts are an integral part of manufacturing, storage, logistics, and other industries critical to transporting goods around the world. Without forklift operators, moving raw materials, finished products, and other goods would be time-consuming and hazardous, even downright impossible at times. More than one million forklifts are actively employed across the country, making adequate training and maintenance vital for operational safety.

Forklift Safety in the Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 75 to 100 US workers are killed in forklift accidents every year. A further 35,000 to 62,000 injuries involving forklifts occur annually. The incident rate has increased nearly 30 percent since 2011. OSHA projects that roughly 70 percent of these accidents could be prevented if companies implemented more stringent training policies.

Observing Forklift Safety Day

If your industry uses forklifts, you are encouraged to participate in National Forklift Safety Day. In addition to attending in person or watching webinars about the latest safety equipment and standards, strive to improve your training efforts and keep up with forklift inspections and maintenance requirements.

Train & Enforce Safe Forklift Use

Here’s how to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities at your facility:

• Ensure all operators receive proper training and certification before driving a forklift.
• Keep operators current with their refresher training, which OSHA requires every three years.
• Review training schedules and protocols with your trainers.
• Post worksite rules, policies, and guidelines throughout your facility.
• Create warehouse traffic patterns.
• Enforce forklift speed limits.
• Require operators to wear a seatbelt and the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the application.

Keep up with Forklift Inspections & Maintenance

Review and update your forklift check guidelines with these requirements in mind:

• Examine the forklift before each use: Pre-shift inspections should include checking for damage and leaks and assessing the condition of the forks, chains, cables, guards, operator compartment, and mechanical safety devices. Once behind the wheel, the operator should check the steering, brakes, hydraulic controls, attachments, limit switches, and battery charge.
• Perform preventative maintenance: Review your current PM program. Is it complete, thorough, and executed at proper intervals? If you haven’t already, sign up for a fleet maintenance agreement. A customizable plan can reduce downtime, negate surprise expenses, and increase productivity while meeting OSHA requirements.

Partner with Ring Power Lift Trucks for all your forklift sales, rentals, training, and maintenance needs. We have 60 years of experience serving our Florida customers with quality lift truck products and services. For more information, please call us at 877-544-5438 or contact us online.