Workplace conditions that increase the risk of fork truck accidents

Fork trucks are recognised as the most dangerous form of workplace transport

It is therefore crucial forklift operators recognise how the conditions within your worksite can increase the risk of forklift accidents.

The working environment plays an important role in safe lift truck operation and measures should be taken to minimise risk where possible.

Below we examine some of the most common conditions that are likely to increase the risk of forklift accidents in the workplace.

Uneven surfaces, ramps and speed bumps

The risk: Fork trucks are prone to tipping over on uneven surfaces.

What you can do:

• Ensure roads and paths are clearly marked and signposted
• Drive slowly around uneven areas and over speed bumps
• Where possible, ensure travel areas are on flat, even surfaces
• Do not travel on ramps with slopes that exceed the manufacturer’s guidelines
• Make sure loads are fully secured and extra precaution is taken when approaching an uneven surface

ZoneSafe includes a data reporting and analysis feature to help identify key high-risk areas within the worksite so that additional measures and training can be applied in a targeted way

Find out how Gray Forklifts used data analysis to identify how and why accidents take place Gray Lift Trucks Case Study

Reduced visibility areas and blind spots

The risk:  Danger of collision on bends, at blind spots and where driver visibility is reduced.

What you can do:

• Clearly signpost the area
• Illuminate the area where possible
• Use visibility mirrors
• Consider traffic lights and barriers to address blind spots
• Use low-level lighting in reduced visibility areas

Proximity warning technology increases awareness and alerts users to hazards around corners and blind spots.

Learn how Keyo Agricultural Services Ltd applied ZoneSafe to increase safety in reduced visibility conditions – Keyo Agricultural Case Study

Insufficient segregation

The risk: Risk of vehicle to person and vehicle to vehicle collision

What you can  do:

• Provide completely separate routes for vehicles and pedestrians where possible
• Apply designated turning and reversing circles
• Use clear pathway demarcation, lighting and alerts
• Install solid barriers and crossings and consider electronic gateways that interact with tagged personnel to eliminate danger of breach in high traffic areas

Proximity warning tags alert pedestrians and drivers when they enter a designated detection zone so that users can stop activity and avoid collisions.

Learn more in our latest ZoneSafe animation video

Low overhead clearance

The risk: injury to drivers and damage to lift trucks:

What to do:

• Ensure only trained drivers operate machinery and are aware of worksite limitations
• Provide clear signage, warning and height restriction information
• Consider alarms and lighting
• Never overload the forks in a way that completely obscures the driver’s view

Slippery surfaces

The risk: Water, spills, oils and grease all make road surfaces slippery and can cause lift trucks and other vehicles to skid.

What to do:

• Completely avoid the area until spills have been cleared if possible
• Place warning signs and cones to cordon off the area
• Drive slowly and exercise extra caution when approaching spill sites
• Maintain good hygiene practices and clean up spills in good time

To better understand the risks within your worksite and learn how proximity warning technology can be applied to address these concerns, Contact ZoneSafe