National Forklift Safety Day happens during the month of June. The day was established to raise awareness and promote the safe and responsible operations of forklifts. During this time, companies, industry groups and other organizations schedule events to help educate employees on the proper use of lift trucks. Additionally, employers are encouraged to review current safety policies and practices and make any necessary revisions to ensure their employees, as well as other individuals around them, are safe.
Forklift safety is a critical component of any workplace safety program. Forklifts are powerful machines that can cause severe injuries or even death if not operated correctly. Proper training and safety practices are essential to ensuring safe operations and minimizing risk. Here are some reasons why forklift safety is critical:
1. Reduce Injuries and Accidents: Forklift operators are responsible for safely maneuvering, lifting, and transporting heavy loads. Without the proper safety procedures and training, these tasks can be dangerous. Implementing a safety program and training operators can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
2. Improve Productivity: Proper safety practices can help improve worker productivity. Following safety guidelines prevents costly downtime associated with accidents, as well as decreasing the amount of time spent on repairs and maintenance due to improper use.
3. Prevent Liability: Employers are held accountable for the safety of their workers while on the job, and forklifts can be particularly dangerous when not operated properly. Implementing a forklift safety program can help reduce the risk of liability for employers by ensuring their employees are properly trained and following safety protocols.
4. Environment: Overloading or misusing a forklift can damage the surrounding environment.
You don’t have to wait until next June to review your forklift safety policies and practices with your employees. It’s never too late to implement new training and policies to ensure a safe working environment for all. Topics to consider for ongoing training sessions include proper forklift driving, emergency response procedures, and the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear. Taking the time to review material regularly will help to keep coworkers safe and in an environment that fosters safety and well-being.