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What are the hazards to look out for with forklifts?

On Behalf of | Oct 10, 2020 | Workplace Injuries |

The last thing you want to happen on the job in Nebraska is to be injured. If you are working with large, high-powered machinery, you are more likely to suffer a debilitating injury than many other workers.

When it comes to operating and working around forklifts, you should be aware of the hazards you face. This can help you to know what to avoid.

Common forklift-related causes of worker injuries

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration points out that many workers are injured when they fall from elevated tines and pallets. Be wary of where you are standing and only go where you absolutely need to go.

There also appears to be a problem with workers being struck by lift trucks. Whether you are in the driver seat or walking past a forklift that is in operation, you should always be very aware of your surroundings and announce what you are going to do before you do it.

If you are a driver, have a solid sense of where the wheels of your forklift are located. It is not uncommon for drivers to accidentally drive a forklift off a loading dock.

Understanding the machinery and the setting

The setting matters because of who and what might be around you. For example, if you are working with a forklift at a retail establishment, you need to be wary of pedestrians who may not be trained on OSHA safety protocols.

Also, know the limitations and unique dangers posed by the type of lift you are using. If you are driving a sit-down truck, you can lift a load much higher than with a hand truck, which increases the likelihood of a falling load accident.

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