Forklifts are used for a range of workplace activities from transferring loads around a facility to stacking, lifting and picking goods. Each year, both deaths and serious injuries are associated with forklift use in Australia.
On average, over 500 people are seriously injured from accidents involving forklifts with co-workers and pedestrians most at risk.
Therefore, the effective identification, assessment and control of hazards associated with forklift use are essential to ensure pedestrian, co-worker and forklift operator safety.
When conducting a risk assessment on the use of forklifts, consider if they can be eliminated by substituting other load moving equipment.
If forklifts cannot be eliminated, consider designing the layout of the workplace to remove interactions between pedestrians and vehicles.
Further risk mitigation examples for forklift use include to:
All control measures utilised in the workplace should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Safety audits should also be conducted to ensure safe work practices are being adhered to.
All visitors and third parties to the site through the induction process should be made aware of the Traffic Management Plan and specific risks and requirements when in forklift areas.
To minimise injuries from forklifts in the workplace effective identification, assessment and control of hazards associated with forklift use are essential in conjunction with constant review and monitoring.
Action Plan : VeriSure are Specialist Risk Advisors and can assist you in this area. Simply contact us and one of our Senior Advisors will discuss your risk exposures.