Forklift Safety Not Just a Good Idea, It’s the Law

IG_warehouse_safety_infographicv2-3Each year, thousands of people are injured and even killed while operating or working near forklifts. That’s why it’s essential that forklift safety needs to be a top priority for any business.

That forklift safety statistics are staggering:

  • Each year in the US, about 20,000 workers suffer serious injuries as a result of working with forklifts
  • About 25% of warehouse employees who are injured in a workplace accident were hurt by forklifts
  • About 100 people are killed in warehouse accidents involving forklifts in the US each year.

Your Legal Responsibilty

When it comes to forklift safety, educating your employees on the proper safety procedures isn’t just a good idea. It’s also the law.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that any company using a forklift must provide safety training and certification for any worker who will be operating the vehicle. While the federal agency doesn’t specify what type of training or how many hours of education are required, making sure operators know and understand safe operation protocols is the company’s responsibility.

Typically, OSHA inspector’s don’t conduct audits of a company’s files or an inspection of a facility unless a complaint has been lodged or an accident has been reported. But if there is an incident at your facility in which a worker has been hurt or even killed, it’s a sure bet that OSHA will be there in full force demanding to see the documentation and certification that proves management properly trained employees on the safe operation of forklifts and other materials handling equipment.

If you can’t produce the files, you should be prepared to face the consequences. These could include stiff fines and even civil and criminal prosecution, not to mention the damage to your company’s reputation and standing in the community.

Where to Find Training

There are numerous services that will provide on-site forklift safety training for your employees. These services will even provide the testing and certification that will satisfy OSHA’s  requirements. Yet these services tend to be somewhat expensive.

Another option is to provide the training in-house by purchasing forklift training programs. These comprehensive programs use video, audio and even interactive online websites to provide your employees with the information and training they need to safely operate forklifts and other materials handling equipment. This can go a long way toward keeping your workers — and your business — out of harm’s way.

Safety Needs to Be Priority #1

It’s critical that providing the appropriate forklift safety training be one of the highest priorities for any business using forklifts in their facilities. Not only does it help create a safer work environment, reduce the risk of accident, and help avoid the costs associated with a workplace accident involving forklifts and other vehicles, but it the easiest and most reliable way to protect your business’s assets and reputation.

Forklift safety training simply makes good business sense.