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OSHA's National Emphasis Program
In the past seven months, the National Emphasis Program has been established by OSHA to prioritize workplace safety. As a result, OSHA has conducted a total of 623 inspections during this period. These inspections are crucial to identify safety hazards and ensure that workplaces are adhering to necessary safety regulations.
OSHAs diligent efforts have not only aimed to identify potential violations but have also sought to penalize non-compliant companies to the tune of $2.4 million. Amongst the violations that were frequently cited during these inspections, powered industrial truck violations, including forklifts, emerged as the most common. These violations were primarily attributed to two key factors: lack of operator training and poor maintenance.
Forklifts are heavily relied upon in numerous industries, and it is essential that operators are adequately trained to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, proper maintenance of these powerful machines is crucial to ensure their safe operation. OSHAs emphasis on addressing these violations underscores the organization's commitment to enhancing workplace safety and protecting the well-being of employees.
Why this matters and what to consider.
Warehouses are busy environments that constantly have a mix of people, vehicles, and equipment moving around. To ensure the safety of both forklift operators and pedestrians, it is crucial that operators receive proper training.
This training helps them understand the unique working conditions of a warehouse and reduces the risk of injuries, as well as damage to other equipment like storage racks and stored materials.
Only trained and certified workers who are at least 18 years old are allowed to operate forklifts, as stated in 29 CFR 1910.178. Operators must be familiar with the specific type of vehicle they are using and be aware of the conditions in their workplace. This is where Cal Safety Solution can help. We design our power lift equipment (forklift) safety training at your job site and the equipment that is being used everyday by your employees.
Cal Safety Solution will show your employees in their work environment the safety protocols such as examining the vehicle for hazardous conditions, wearing seatbelts, not exceeding the load capacity, maintaining stability and balance, and keeping a safe distance from edges and pedestrians must be followed.
Additionally, forklift maintenance and repair should be carried out in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, and proper procedures should be followed when charging batteries.
Overall, by following these guidelines and being mindful of other considerations such as clearances and refueling procedures, the risks associated with forklift operation in warehouses can be minimized, creating a safer working environment for everyone involved. By teaming with Cal Safety Solution, and our hands on approach can ensure that employees understand the rules and regulations for your OSHA compliance.
According to OSHA’s website, here is a list of things they are looking for during an inspection. You can click the link below to be taken to the OHSA web site.
https://www.osha.gov/warehousing/hazards-solutions#accordion-82316-collapse2Forklift Operations
Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift. (See 29 CFR 1910.178).
No one under the age of 18 may use a forklift.
Operators must be trained on the type of vehicle in use, and on workplace conditions.
Before operating the vehicle, examine it for hazardous conditions which would make it unsafe to operate.
Always wear a seatbelt, if available. Never exceed the rated load and ensure it is stable and balanced.
Ensure you have enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating the vehicle.
Follow safe procedures for picking up, putting down and stacking loads.
Keep a safe distance from platform, ramp, and loading dock edges.
Never back up a forklift to the dock’s edge.
Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
Slow down in congested areas and those with slippery surfaces.
Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
Do not give rides or use the forks to lift people.
If required to park a vehicle on an uneven surface, set the emergency brake.
Forklift Maintenance and Repair
Ensure vehicles are maintained and repaired in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition.
Do not modify or make additions to the forklift that could affect capacity and/or safe operation without prior written approval from the manufacturer.
Charging Stations
Properly position forklifts and apply brakes before attempting to change or charge batteries.
Ensure that fire extinguishers are available and fully charged.
Provide proper personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and eye and face protection.
Provide conveyors, overhead hoists or equivalent materials handling equipment for servicing batteries.
Provide an eyewash and safety shower facility for workers exposed to battery acids.
Provide adequate ventilation to disperse fumes from gassing batteries.
Prohibit smoking and open flames in and around charging stations.
Other Considerations
Maintain safe clearances for aisles and at loading docks or passages.
Provide visual warnings near dock edges.
Follow required procedures when refueling gas or propane fueled forklifts.
Train workers on the hazards associated with the combustion byproducts of forklift operation, such as carbon monoxide.
By taking this step, you can be proactive in creating a safer and more secure work environment for everyone involved. Whether you are a business owner, a manager, or an employee, it is vital to prioritize safety in order to prevent accidents and protect the well-being of your team. The professionals at Cal Safety Solution are experienced in providing effective hands on forklift safety training and can guide you in implementing the necessary measures to ensure the proper operation of forklifts and the overall safety of your workplace. Don't hesitate to contact Cal Safety Solution today and take the first step towards a safer future.
If you find yourself unsure of where to start when it comes to forklift safety training, or if you have concerns that your current training is not meeting the necessary standards, there is a solution available to you. By reaching out and contacting Cal Safety Solution at (800) 433-9819, you can schedule a formal site analysis. This analysis will allow our team of experts to assess your current safety measures and provide recommendations for improvement.
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