Unfortunately, industrial accidents and injuries at construction sites are extremely common and happen more often than anybody would like. Based on statistics, a lot of these incidents occur because of not enough or wholly absent safety training and protocols. An equipment like for example a lift truck can be an extremely dangerous type of machine if utilized improperly.
With most types of machinery, proper maintenance is the first step towards maintenance. You must make sure that the machinery is functioning at an optimum level before trying to utilize it and you should never try to use something which doesn't seem to be working correctly. Safety first!
In general, there are several pertinent safety tips that are key to help using warehouse and construction equipments. For starters, the shovels, tines or other lifting parts must never ever be utilized to transport individuals. This equipment is not a moving work station or an elevator. It is a heavy-duty piece of industrial machine that must be always respected.
Before lifting any cargo, it is important to make sure that the load is properly settled and balanced on your forks. Any unwieldy or poorly centered object stands a good chance of falling off the tines and potentially injuring co-worker or passers-by. As well, whatever is being transported could easily end up damaged.
It is never a good idea to stand between the load, a wall or other surface and the forklift. From their position, the forklift operator might not be able to see precisely where you are and can accidentally end up crushing your arm in between objects if you are not paying attention. It is never a wise idea to be hanging around machines which is in use.
Know and follow the load limits of a specific equipment's load bearing characteristics. Extreme injury and damage could take place if you try to raise anything that is very large or too heavy. Furthermore, take note of the speed and the height of your load while you are moving it to make certain you are within the proper safety parameters.
Your chances of a workplace mishap is really lessened if you could utilize your lift truck in a safe way. Product damage and injuries could be easily avoided so long as everyone takes the time to make sure that they are following all the manufacturer's safety guidelines set out for that particular model.