Forklifts Safety — What is a blind spot and how can it be avoided?

One of the critical responsibilities of a forklift operator is to ensure pedestrian safety in their work environments. Forklifts are heavy equipment and can weigh more than 9000 lbs which is equivalent to three or four times the weight of a car. Controlling such massive weight is a considerable responsibility.

Pedestrian safety can increase if non-operators can follow some simple precautions during walking in areas of forklift use. A culture of communication and awareness needs to develop at the workplace that precludes mishaps and accidents due to rash forklift operations.

We will discuss some ideas to help you keep your work environment safe from accidents that forklift operations can cause.

Pedestrian Safety Tips for Forklift Operations

1. According to an OSHA recommendation, operators will have to yield the right of way to pedestrians. Forklift drivers are aware of this. Due to the size and power of the forklift, operators should stop and wait for pedestrians to clear the area before proceeding cautiously along their route.

2. It is disastrous for pedestrians to assume that forklift operators can see them. While pedestrians enjoy the right of way in forklift operating areas, it does not naturally imply that operators can see them. The pedestrian should keep their eye on the forklift whenever in its vicinity.

3. From the operator’s perspective, using advanced devices like the SharpEagle Forklift Camera System is suitable. It helps the operator with increased awareness about his surroundings. It allows the operator to have a 360-degree clear vision of the person in the line of travel of his machine and take timely life-saving measures. Thus the probability of accidents due to blind spots is mitigated.

4. Operators and pedestrians should use clear hand signals for better communication with all associates and visitors to avoid confusion.

5. The operator should follow OSHA guidelines in letter and spirit when operating a forklift. They should complete operator training for forklifts that equips them to handle any situation.

6. An ideal scenario is when pedestrians point in the direction they intend to walk in a facility or an operator uses their hand to signal the turn. It increases overall communication and awareness. This system of communication also ensures the reduction of accidents. Stopping and honking horns and proceeding cautiously at intersections also warn pedestrians of the forklift’s presence. Travel and braking should be smooth and in a controlled manner. The operator can use a spotter and travel in the reverse direction when vision is impaired if a load is blocking forward visibility. Operators should educate themselves entirely with the manual about a specific forklift operation.

7. There should be an audit for blind spots and identify areas to improve visibility. Find out whether you need mirrors at intersections. Better still is to use forklift safety cameras that allow you the flexibility to use technology to eradicate loss of human lives.

8. Identify separate walkways for pedestrians and forklifts. It will improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of both being in the exact location simultaneously. You can use railings and barriers to add an extra level of separation. This separation is ideal, but you cannot always attain it. If pedestrian and forklift paths are shared, there should be enough space for walking and forklift lanes and walkway striping on the floor.

9. It would help if you use audio-visual indicators to indicate the operation of powered industrial equipment like forklifts. Sometimes audible warnings may be more effective depending on the level of noise and surrounding conditions.

10. Forklifts should undergo proper maintenance and timely repair. Hydraulic leaks, worn-out brakes should be high on the agenda list of repairs. If a potential issue arises, the forklift should be locked out or tagged out for repair.

11. Equip your forklift with the right accessories. SharpEagle has an entire product suite of hi-tec Forklift Safety Solutions comprising Forklift Camera System, Fork-View Camera, Forklift Speed Limiter, and Forklift Anti-Collision System. They sharpen your safety philosophy at the workplace while ensuring safety and increased productivity.

12. Finally, the forklifts should come with adequately authorized attachments. These attachments will affect your forklift’s load handling capabilities. Make sure data plates inform operators of the forklift’s capabilities and current configuration.

Thanks for your time, Stay connected for more about the Forklift safety guide.

Also read- https://www.sharpeagle.tv/blog/forklift-safety-solutions-tips-to-avoid-injuries/