Forklift overturning is a common type of material handling equipment accident. It is either caused by inherent instability of the forklift or negligent operation of the equipment. According to statistics, fatal or non-fatal human injuries due to forklift tipping are encountered in the workplace. As forklift operations can be potentially hazardous, caution should always be exercised. Forklift overturning can lead to serious damage to goods or property, as well as putting workers’ lives at risk.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most frequent causes of forklift overturning include: excessive load weight, operator inexperience, excessive speed and improperly loaded cargo. The best way to prevent forklift overturning is to ensure that operators are properly trained, forklifts are properly maintained, and proper safety procedures are in place.
Training operators is the primary way to prevent forklift overturning. It is essential to provide operators with the information and skills to properly and safely operate a forklift. A trained operator will be able to recognize and anticipate potential problems and will be able to act quickly and appropriately to prevent an overturn.
It is also important to ensure that the forklift is regularly inspected and maintained. This includes checking the forklift’s brakes, tires, and other components to ensure they are working properly. If a problem is identified, it should be addressed immediately. Additionally, a regular maintenance program should be in place to ensure the forklift is working properly and is safe to operate.
Finally, a workplace safety program should be in place to reduce the chances of forklift overturning. This program should include the proper use of warning signs, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the operator, and training on operating the forklift correctly and safely.
To sum up, forklift overturning is a serious hazard that can lead to serious damage and harm to people and property. To minimize the risk of this hazard, it is essential to ensure that operators are properly trained in the safe use of forklifts and the forklift is regularly checked and maintained. Additionally, proper warning signs should be in place and Personal Protective Equipment should be provided and enforced. With proper steps in place, the risk and consequences of forklift overturning can be significantly reduced.
