Be Alert When Driving a Forklift Truck
A lift truck is a large piece of machinery and thus safety precautions must be taken when using these trucks. Forklift operators are required by law to be trained and certified to use the equipment. Anybody who misuses a forklift truck could be charged with an offence. Misuse of this potentially dangerous equipment could result in fatality or serious injury. Safe operation of a lift truck truck involves paying attention both to what is happening inside the vehicle and to what is happening around the vehicle. Not unlike driving an automobile, operating a forklift requires being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians and keeping your attention on the road.
Essential forklift driving guidelines
Worksite accidents are all too common. However, many accidents are preventable by lessening the risks while working with machines which are dangerous and heavy.
Rough surfaces and drops are frequently encountered while operating a forklift because most operating surfaces are relatively uneven and rough. The biggest dangers are dock platforms, dock bridges, bumps, pot holes, inclines and ramps. Forklifts are designed to deal with uneven surfaces, but it is up to the operator to be on the lookout for these hazards to keep control of the truck.
One of the main factors in lift truck accidents is visibility. Operators are ultimately responsible for making certain that their lift truck is used with clear visibility. This can be helped by inspecting to make sure that mirrors are correctly positioned and windows are unobstructed and clean. If a load is placed in such a way that it obscures visibility for the forklift operator, then the driver needs to put the forklift in reverse and cautiously back down the ramp.
Forklift operators are legally required to perform every day checks of the lift truck truck and its parts. A more thorough examination should be performed weekly. The tires, forks, brakes, engine and the rest should always be tested to ensure that they are correctly working. Proper inspections can help to prevent injury and accidents.