As part of SG World's support for National Forklift Safety Day 2024 (a campaign that runs from June 11th - December 9th 2024) with the slogan 'Prevent - Manage - Learn'. In this article we review some of the reasons why the campaign is so important and how you can prevent incidents and accidents from today onwards.
Forklifts are indispensable in the material handling industry, yet they pose significant risks if not managed correctly. In the UK, the statistics are alarming: over 1,300 forklift truck accidents occur annually, averaging five incidents every working day. The situation is even more dire in the United States, with an average of 95 serious injuries and one fatality every four days due to forklift-related accidents.
Unseen Dangers
While pedestrian impacts and rollovers are commonly associated with forklift accidents, many other less recognised causes contribute to the high rate of injuries and fatalities. Among these are mechanical failures, often overlooked yet prevalent within the top ten causes of forklift-related harm.
Preventative Maintenance
Forklifts, like any machinery, require regular maintenance to prevent deterioration that can lead to accidents. Under regulations such as Health & Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), operators are mandated to perform pre-use inspections to identify any faults. Addressing these issues, whether minor or significant, is crucial for safe operation.
Common Mechanical Failures
The leading mechanical issues in forklifts include worn brakes, leaking fluids, and damaged tires. Emissions poisoning also ranks high, particularly with gas and diesel forklifts. Regular inspections are vital to detect hazards like incorrect fuel mixtures and leaking exhausts.
The Solution
Innovative solutions from SG World combat these risks with a patented pre-use forklift inspection system.
The inspection book allows for various inspection frequencies, and the completed checklist is displayed in a hi-viz, waterproof paddle showing the status of the equipment (‘passed’ or ‘failed’ inspection) ensuring all employees are aware of the forklift’s condition.
Regular inspections and maintenance are not just regulatory requirements; they are essential practices that safeguard employees from preventable accidents. By adopting the solutions offered by SG World, companies can ensure their forklift operations are conducted safely and efficiently, protecting their most valuable asset: their workforce. Join us in prioritising safety and compliance in the workplace.
Learn more about NFSD: https://nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk/
