5 Ways to Observe National Forklift Safety Day

June 08, 2020

If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you know that National Forklift Safety Day is an annual reminder of the importance of workplace safety, especially when heavy machinery is involved.

OSHA forklift reports show that around 35,000 people are injured each year from forklift accidents, with just under 100 resulting in death. Although many workers use this equipment daily, a momentary lapse of judgment could compromise safe forklift operation. Continuously educating workers on forklift safety ensures that simple tasks don’t turn deadly.

Forklift Day 2020 will be the 7th anniversary of this holiday. Companies across the country can take advantage of this opportunity to initiate conversations and help their employees prioritize forklift safety throughout the entire year.

Forklift Inventory is here to guide your business and employees to success. We’ve put together a list of 5 things you can do to promote safe forklift operation in your workplace.

National Forklift Safety Day To-Do List:

1. Attend Forklift Safety Day 2020 Online

Due to the dangerous pandemic that is affecting our nation, this year’s event will be virtual. Stream a video of the Forklift Safety Day 2020 speakers and presentations starting at 9 AM on June 9, 2020.

You can access the video from ITA’s website or DC Velocity’s website. You can also pre-register here. The event will feature Forklift Safety Day presentations from government representatives, safety experts, and industry leaders. Watching these presentations is a great way to stay up-to-date with industry practices and protocols for safe forklift operation.

2. Review Your Forklift Safety Checklist

Forklift Safety Day 2020 is a good time to make sure the systems and procedures you have in place are correct and accurate. Check current OSHA forklift standards and make sure you’re familiar with them. Is your forklift safety checklist up-to-date with those standards?

Too often, it can be easy to create a workflow and leave it untouched for years. If the workflow for your operation is no longer accurate or efficient, change it.

Your forklift safety checklist should be used daily to inspect equipment for any issues that need repair. Make sure that it is easy to read and comprehend, and that it is strictly enforced. OSHA offers plenty of free forklift safety checklists for every lift truck type here.

3. Conduct Vehicle Inspections

Forklift safety is at risk when equipment is damaged. Use National Forklift Safety Day as an opportunity to assess your machinery to make sure it’s in stable, working condition.

First, check the forks for cracks or bends. Then, check brake functionality, both when driving forward and in reverse. Look closely at the tires for any cuts or missing chunks of rubber. Make sure fluid levels are correct and look for leaks. Finally, check the hydraulic cylinders, mast assembly, gauges, steering, and any attachments for deformities.

Make each vehicle inspection thorough. Remember, safe operation isn’t possible without well-maintained equipment.

4. Schedule Operator Evaluations for Your Employees

Forklift operator evaluations must be conducted at least once every 3 years to remain OSHA forklift compliant. Forklift Safety Day is a great time to get this task out of the way.

During the evaluation, have a conversation with the operator about safe forklift operation, and make sure they have a complete understanding of its importance. Then, assess the operator’s forklift safety by documenting whether or not the operator:

• Inspects the forklift for damage
• Mounts properly with 3 points of contact
• Lifts the load correctly with observance to capacity limits
• Drives with the load at a safe height & at a safe speed
• Slows down when cornering
• Places the load safely & parks the forklift in an ideal location
• Properly charges/refuels the equipment
• Checks that the wheels of the trailer are chocked before entering

5. Offer Refresher Training

Whether through one-on-one training or a simple group conversation with your employees, we could all use a reminder on how important forklift safety is. Sometimes, when operators do the same thing every day, small nuances might get overlooked.

On Forklift Safety Day 2020, remind your employees of the consequences that occur when safety isn’t prioritized. Raise awareness of the incidents that continue to threaten lives, and keep them in the loop with important OSHA forklift guidelines.

Doing Your Part to Promote Safe Forklift Operation

The forklift industry continues to grow. Sales have increased consistently over the past few years, creating new jobs and welcoming more people as forklift operators.

Now, more than ever, proper OSHA forklift training and education are incredibly important. Whether our employees are new or veteran, forklift safety must be consistently taught and encouraged.

National Forklift Safety Day is an incredible opportunity for businesses to address safety and work to ensure it. Forklift Inventory is here to help. We offer tons of resources to keep you and your employees safe and successful.

We also help businesses by providing new and used forklift equipment at great prices. It doesn’t have to be Forklift Safety Day 2020 for you to get the best deal on a forklift. When you use Forklift Inventory, you’ll always receive free information and pricing on high-quality equipment tailored to your needs.

We’re committed to moving our industry forward. Celebrate National Forklift Safety Day with new equipment.

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