forklift inspection

The Basics of a Pre-Shift Forklift Inspection

When attending a forklift safety class, heavy focus is placed on accidents and preventative measures. Operator safety and skills need attention, but your company must also emphasize the importance of forklift inspection and maintenance. OSHA Guidelines for Forklift Inspection Pre-shift forklift inspections are required by federal law. It states “Industrial trucks shall be examined before […]

Aichi scissor lift

Forklift Safety: Hiring Contractors

It takes many hands to run a warehouse. At times you must call upon the expertise of others, such as contractors, for building repairs or renovations. When heavy equipment is involved, it’s important to understand federal law and regulations. Contractor Safety: Aerial Lifts A major factor is the type of equipment. The most common equipment […]

Safety No Horseplay

Horseplay and Its Unintended Consequences

We all want to have fun at work and one of the best ways to build employee relations is to share a laugh. It reduces stress, makes a team more cohesive and can improve productivity. However, having a laugh and engaging in “forklift horseplay” – actions that are frivolous and rough – are two different […]

Forklift Operator Training Image

How Important is a Forklift Operator Seat Belt?

Seat belts save lives, which is why their usage is not an option. A forklift seat belt helps to prevent the most common human reaction during a tip-over … to jump! An operator’s panicked attempt to get away puts him at great risk for being crushed under a multi-ton machine. Forklift Tip-Overs Tip-over accidents claim, […]

forklift seat belt 2

Forklift Seat Belt Requirement

What safety precautions are required if we own a forklift designed prior to the seat belt requirement? OSHA does not directly address seat belt requirements in federal regulation 1910.178. When the law does not directly answer an issue, OSHA letters of interpretation become the next resource to offer a clearer explanation. Forklift Seat Belt Retro-Fit Kit Seat […]

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OSHA Law & Its Intent

As an appointed company trainer or supervisor, you will periodically receive calls or emails regarding job safety. While it’s easy to give a short answer, don’t miss your opportunity to show concern, educate the person asking and dig deeper to learn why the question was asked. “For me, the answer I give is not fully […]

forklift accident

Overloading a Forklift

Some might say, “If the rear tires of the forklift are on the ground, it can handle the load you are attempting to pick up.” However, this statement is proven untrue with every tip-over. Understanding the basic design of a counterbalance forklift will help increase operator safety. 80/20 Forklift Design Regardless of the forklift manufacturer, […]

forklift tail swing

Is Damaged Forklift Paint a Sign of Something More?

What message does this picture of damaged forklift paint convey? Is it “normal” or a sign of a larger problem? If your teenager’s car looked like the forklift in the picture, would you be concerned about his or her safety? Damaged Forklifts Mean Damaged Products Decimated paint tells a truth we cannot ignore. Paint is […]