The Case of the Runaway Forklift

Parking and securing a forklift when not in use is a simple enough thing—something trainers might not emphasize much because it seems like such a common-sense issue. But consider the case of the runaway forklift:

A forklift operator drove a forklift up a ramp from an outside area into the warehouse. The operator started to turn into the warehouse when he noticed that a co-worker needed some help. So he stopped the forklift and dismounted hurriedly without shutting off the lift truck or setting the parking brake. What’s more, as he dismounted he accidentally hit the gearshift and unknowingly shifted the forklift into reverse. After taking several steps away from the forklift, the operator noticed that the vehicle was driving backward by itself. He ran back to the truck with the intention of climbing in and stopping it. But just as he jumped onto the left side of the forklift, the left rear tire rolled off the edge of the loading dock. The forklift tipped over to the left, preventing the forklift driver from climbing inside. He was hanging outside the forklift when it fell from the loading dock to the ground, landing on him and crushing and killing him.

Don’t just tell forklift operators what to do—show them with action footage on DVD in BLR’s Training Solutions Toolkit: Forklift Safety. Read More.

Parking Safety Rules

To prevent parking-related accidents, train your forklift operators to follow these safety precautions:

• Always try to find a level surface to park on. If no level surface is available, be sure to put a chock under one of the forklift’s tires to prevent it from rolling if the parking brake fails.
• Lower forks, or the forklift attachment, all the way to the ground. Never leave forks up in the air. A co-worker may not see the raised forks and walk right into them.
• Put the gear into neutral.
• Make sure the wheels are straight. If the wheels are left in a turned position, the next time you get on the forklift and step on the accelerator the forklift will turn unexpectedly and could injure a nearby pedestrian or damage property.
• Set the parking brake every time you park the forklift. Make sure you test the parking brake at the beginning of your shift when you do the forklift inspection. While in the driver’s seat, set the parking brake and then put the gear into forward or reverse and step on the accelerator slightly. The parking brake should hold the forklift in place.
• Turn off the engine before dismounting the forklift. Even if the forklift slips into forward or reverse gear, it will not start driving when the engine is off. Your company may also require you to remove the key to prevent unauthorized operators from getting on the forklift.

BLR’s Training Solutions Toolkit: Forklift Safety on DVD comes to you satisfaction assured! Get the details.

Make Forklift Training Memorable

How do you train your employees in a way that the information sticks with the operators of these potentially deadly vehicles? We think BLR’s Training Solutions Toolkit: Forklift Safety has a giant leg up on the competition. This DVD-based kit is really a mini-motion picture, complete with professional actors and a realistic script. It trains on all the essential points and also includes all these supplementary materials:

• Fifteen copies of an employee workbook and accompanying leader’s guide that confirm and extend the learning. Additional copies may be ordered at special low prices.
• Three posters. Hang them around your facility as a constant reminder of the training. (And note the pleased expression on any OSHA inspector who happens to see them.)
• Trainer’s log. Create a permanent record of whom you trained and when—another must-have if your facility is inspected.
• Customizable completion certificate. Just add each trainee’s name and other company specifics and print out.
• A complete bonus PowerPoint® forklift training program. This 30-slide PowerPoint presentation, with accompanying slide show notes and takeaway booklets, allows you an alternative way to train and lets you customize your training with specific company policies and situations and the ability to add your own comments as you present the material.

Training Solutions Toolkit: Forklift Safety is available for a no-cost, no-risk trial at your workplace. We’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

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