The Latest
Are You OSHA Compliant?
Forklift safety is a common topic of conversation in the material handling industry. Businesses can usually gauge their overall safety based on whether they violate any OSHA standards.
The purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is to protect employees from unsafe work environments. If you’re guilty of any forklift safety violations, you could be subject to fines and other penalties. Here’s a look at some of the most commonly cited standards to help you determine if you and your operators are OSHA compliant.
1910.178(l)(1)(i) – Operator Not Properly Trained (Initial)
“The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation.”
1910.178(l)(4)(i) – Operator Not Properly Trained (Refresher Training Required Every Three Years)
“Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, shall be conducted to ensure that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the powered industrial truck safely.”
1910.178(m)(6) – Not Keeping a Safe Distance from the Edge of Platforms
“A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car. Trucks shall not be used for opening or closing freight doors.”
1910.178(p)(1) – Not Taking Defective Trucks Out of Operation
“If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.”
1910.178(q)(7) – Failing to Properly Inspect a Forklift Before Operation
“Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service, and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Such examination shall be made at least daily.
“Where industrial trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall be examined after each shift. Defects when found shall be immediately reported and corrected.”
1910.178(a)(5) – Failing to Update the Instruction Plate When Fitting Attachments
“If the truck is equipped with front-end attachments other than factory installed attachments, the user shall request that the truck be marked to identify the attachments and show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.”
1910.178(n)(4) – Driving Too Fast or with an Obstructed View
“The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing.”
Fraza is a leader in the material handling industry, providing a wide range of lift equipment, replacement parts, and operator training to help you stay forklift OSHA compliant. If you have any questions about the most common forklift safety violations, or you’re looking for forklift services in Canton, Rochester Hills, or Bridgeport, MI, please contact us today.