Pre use inspections
February 15, 2012
When you get on a plane you hope that it has been checked over before take-off.
Forklifts and scissor lifts must be inspected before use as well. This involves a visual check and then an operational check. It doesn’t need to take long but it does need to be done and documented. The best way to ensure this becomes a regular and meaningful activity is to keep a binder of checklists on or near the machine. Operators are responsible for doing this and supervisors are responsible for making sure it is done.
Why do it? Same reason as the pre-flight check on the plane, to make sure everything is operating correctly and that the forklift is safe to use.
This extraordinary accident happened in North Vancouver in May 2010. More information became available in court last week. It really makes you think.
Fall from order picker
January 31, 2012
The order picker style of forklift where the operator goes up with the machine, brings its own hazards. We really liked this WorkSafe BC review of a recent accident and subsequent recommendations:
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Multimedia/Slideshows.asp?reportID=36608
If you use one of these machines, please wear your fall protection equipment at all times, falling even just 10′ onto a concrete floor will harm you.
Who is responsible, who pays?
January 23, 2012
Interesting to note in this forklift accident the company was fined for not training the supervisor:
http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/9481901.Firm_is_fined___5_000_after_forklift_driver_injures_hand/
Remember, penalties can be applied to the company, the manager, the supervisor and the operator.
Accidents continue
January 23, 2012
We sometimes start our courses with the question “why is this training necessary?” – all too often we hear “because it’s the Law”. Well, that is true but ultimately it is to ensure workers have the knowledge necessary to operate safely. Still, accidents continue to occur too frequently. Here are a couple that occurred recently, read them and see if you think they were preventable?
http://www.wpxi.com/news/30240610/detail.html man killed by forklift carrying scrap
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/01/man_in_flint_suffers_fractured.html leg fractured in forklift accident
Time to be nice
December 15, 2011
While we are usually talking here about ways forklift safety can be improved, now is the time of year to congratulate all the very good forklift operators out there. There are lots of operators, supervisors and managers trying to do their best. Happy Christmas to you all!
Cell phones and forklifts
October 11, 2011
We are sometimes asked if it is legal to use a cell phone on a forklift. While there is no specific regulation on this subject, distracted driving is never good. And WorkSafe BC’s Occupational Health & Safety does say in Section 16.5:
“16.5 Operator’s responsibility – the operator of mobile equipment must operate the equipment safely, maintain full control of the equipment, and comply with the laws governing the operation of the equipment.”
So if you must use a cell phone while on the forklift take sensible precautions – stop what you are doing, put the controls in neutral, put the parking brake on, put your forks and load down, stop in an intelligent place not blocking others, and then and only then answer the phone.
Supervision is key
October 11, 2011
If you are a supervisor, you should know that just ensuring your forklift operators have received appropriate training is only the beginning. Supervisors have a tremendous responsibility to supervise on an ongoing basis, and that includes supervising for safety every day. For more information on due diligence and the supervisor’s role, visit the WorkSafe BC website:
http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/managing_safety.pdf
Shake out
October 11, 2011
On October 20, 2011 British Columbia is holding a shake out – this is an earthquake preparedness exercise. For those of us who work in warehouses, this is a good reminder to check on what you should do in the event of an earthquake in your workplace. Badly stacked racks, racks not bolted to the ground, emergency exits that are inaccessible are just some of the things to look out for. Take a look around you right now – where is your nearest exit, should you leave or stay put, what could fall on top of you? For more information check out the resources on the shake out website: http://www.shakeoutbc.ca/resources/index.html.
Want to know what we could face then view this video taken in Christchurch, New Zealand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8H1y7TBa1Q.
Bring it back to basics
September 21, 2011
If you sometimes find the rules and regulations surrounding forklift operation hard to fathom (are they all written by lawyers?), try this refreshingly simple summary from Canada’s Natonal Occupation Health & Safety Centre Resource.
http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text16.html
Here you will find a safety checklist and basic guidelines to safe operation. Of course not everything in your environment may be covered but it is a great starting point. Needless to say, reading this does not constitute training which is why site and equipment specific training is so important.
