JUNE 2018
FORKLIFT SAFETY THE WORLD’S #1 TELESCOPIC FORKS!
g SAFE SUPPORT FOR DIFFERING LOAD SIZES g ALWAYS AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED g NO HEAVY LIFTING = NO INJURY RISKS g HYDRAULIC AND MANUAL VERSIONS
828.349.9619
MEIJER-HANDLING-SOLUTIONS.COM
Forklift Academy created affordable forklift certification solutions for companies and individuals to comply with OSHA Rules and Regulations. Our training solutions include convenient online training, in person training at our training centers, on-site training at your location, and a master trainer’s kit for companies to establish and run their own program effortlessly. Our mission is to improve safety awareness for companies by providing effective and practical forklift training to ensure compliance with Federal regulations and to help companies avoid penalties and expenses associated with OSHA inspections. The company has been in the safety business for fifteen years helping companies with their safety needs. Our main office is centrally located in Southern California, with several locations throughout the US including Texas, Florida, Georgia, etc. Our qualified trainers cover the rest of the country on a regular basis. Our main goal is to provide comprehensive, effective, and affordable forklift safety training to help companies comply with Federal and State Laws
Locations in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Atlanta.
(877) 388-3239 WWW.FORKLIFTACADEMY.COM 2 n Forklift Safety Insert
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ON-LINE TRAINING
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes a provision that states, “only trained and authorized operators will be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.” The 1-2 hour online forklift evaluation training course will allow you to become a certified forklift operator in compliance with OSHA laws.
US TRAINING CENTERS
Forklift Academy offers classroom training in business markets around the United States. This classroom training is designed to help get your staff the safety training certification they need to be OSHA compliant. Our experienced trainers help ensure your operators are fully safety trained and complete the coursework and testing required for their forklift certifications. Forklift Certification training are OSHA accepted and valid for 3 years.
ON-SITE TRAINING
The Forklift Academy offers private, on-site training designed to help you get your staff the safety training certification they need to be OSHA compliant. Our experienced trainers can help ensure your operators are fully safety trained and complete the coursework and testing required for their forklift certification. The Price will depend on the number of people (more people more affordable), and location. We have qualified instructors across the USA ready to travel to your job site. Our Forklift Certification training are OSHA accepted and valid for 3 years.
TRAIN THE TRAINER
Complete OSHA Compliance Forklift Certification training kit includes, a CD power point presentation, FREE Forklift Operator Training Video, instructor guide, new OSHA regulation, forklift compliance and operator guide, daily inspection checklist, attendance sheet, written & driving tests, certificates (20), and wallet cards (20).
Locations in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Atlanta.
(877) 388-3239 WWW.FORKLIFTACADEMY.COM June 2018
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FORKLIFT SAFETY HAZARDS One of the best things that can be done to improve forklift safety is to learn about the different hazards that can be associated with operating them. There are seemingly endless number of risks and hazards that are present every time a forklift is in operation. Taking the time to identify the hazards in a facility, and making the effort to eliminate or compensate for them, will help ensure everyone is as safe as possible whenever working in the facility. This applies not only to the forklift operators and those that are in the area, but the entire facility. FORKLIFT SAFETY MISTAKES
MAKE THE EFFORT TO INCREASE FORKLIFT SAFETY In manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and many other worksites, forklifts are used all the time. These machines make it possible to move many things around nearly effortlessly. They also represent one of the most significant hazards in the workplace, and thousands of people each year are injured or killed because of them. Over the years, there have been many things done to help improve forklift safety. Today, forklifts are safer than ever, but only when a real effort it made. There are many things that a company can do to help further improve forklift safety, and they are all well worth the effort. TYPES OF EFFORTS IN FORKLIFT SAFETY Forklift drivers today have many advantages that didn’t exist in the past. Facilities have done a variety of things to help cut down on the number of accidents and injuries that take place. The following are some of the different areas where there has been improvement in forklift safety: • Technology - Forklifts are more advanced than ever. Some companies are even working on self-driving options that could dramatically reduce injuries. • Forklift design - The designs of forklifts today help to improve visibility, which can reduce the risk of accidents. • Visual communication - Most facilities today use great visual communication strategies so both the forklift operator, and the people working in the area, know what to watch out for. For example, harnessing the power of floor markings to ensure the forklift driver knows what areas to stay in. • Forklift training - The training that forklift operators receive is much more comprehensive than it has been in the past.
Mistakes, also known as human error, are the most common cause of accidents and injuries associated with forklifts. Understanding what types of mistakes companies make when trying to keep everyone safe is a great place to start. Some of the following mistakes are simple misjudgments, and others are efforts done with the best of intentions. In any case, avoiding these forklift safety mistakes is critical for any facility: • Neglecting proper rest - Just like driving a car while tired, operating a forklift while tired is a recipe for disaster. If an operator reports feeling tired, which often occurs after just a few hours of operation, it is essential that they are permitted to take a break. • Failing to identify blind spots - Blind spots are one of the most common causes of accidents with forklifts. When making an effort to improve forklift safety, identifying and eliminating blind spots is an excellent place to start. • Not having an enforced speed limit - Forklift drivers often want to get their loads where they need to be as quickly as possible. This can mean driving at speeds that are much higher than is safe for the area. Having posted speed limits, which are enforced by company management, will help dramatically improve safety. • Not watching for floor condition changes - Forklift operators need to remember that their level of control can change dramatically based on the condition of the floor. Since forklifts often operate on concrete, pavement, laminate, and other materials, adjusting their driving for the conditions is critical. • Watching for carbon monoxide poisoning - Most forklifts operate on propane, which can emit carbon monoxide. If a forklift is being operated in an enclosed area, it is important to find a way to allow ventilation to prevent poisoning. • Lack of visual markings - Any facility that has forklifts in operation should have visual markings to ensure the operator knows where they should go, and where they shouldn’t. This includes aisle markings, stop signs, and more.
• Employee training - Good facilities today offer all employees who work in the vicinity of a forklift with training on how to avoid accidents, pinch points, and other common risks associated with forklifts. 4 n Forklift Safety Insert
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FORKLIFT SAFETY SURROUNDINGS Another common safety hazard associated with forklifts is their surroundings. Forklifts operate in many types of locations, all of which present different risks. Since forklifts are designed to bring supplies or other objects around to different areas of the facility, they are always surrounded by different things. One of the biggest risks in this area is when they are operating in a small or narrow area. One turn that isn’t properly performed can result in damaging property, causing things to spill down on the forklift, or injuring someone in the area. FORKLIFT SAFETY PPE
• Qualified operators - Only operators who have gone through the proper training and gotten certified to operate forklifts should ever use them. • Safety inspections - Forklifts need to be inspected regularly to ensure they are in proper working order. Even small mechanical issues with a machine like this can lead to serious accidents. • Check (then double check) the load - If a forklift load is improperly balanced it can break lose and fall. This will not only mean damaged supplies, but can also injure those in the area. • Never give people rides - Forklifts are only designed to carry objects, never people. Only the forklift operator should ever be transported on this type of vehicle. • Safe when not in use - Anytime someone gets out of a forklift, it is important to make sure it is turned off and the breaks are engaged so it won’t unexpectedly move. • Exhaust fumes - The fumes from the propane or gasoline can become dangerous in enclosed areas, and must be considered whenever in operation.
When it comes to forklift safety, it is best to identify and eliminate as many hazards as possible to avoid accidents. No matter how much a company tries, it is impossible to eliminate every risk. To minimize the danger to a forklift operator, and those working around forklifts, it is often a good idea to require people to wear personal protection equipment (PPE). Some examples of the PPE that forklift drivers, and those working around them, should consider using include the following: • Safety straps (seatbelts) - If a forklift operator falls out of the forklift, it can result in a very serious accident. Being securely strapped into the forklift can prevent this from happening. It also helps to keep the operator in the forklift should it tip over, which is the safest place to be. • Hard hats - A hard hat can protect the operator from getting struck in the head from falling objects or other hazards. If an operator was hit in the head and dazed or made unconscious, it could lead to further injuries. • Eye protection - In some environments where there is a lot of dust or debris in the area, wearing eye protection can be very important. • Lights - Having lights on the forklift is important, but perhaps more important is wearing lights or reflective PPE for the people who work around the forklift. This can help ensure they can be seen at all times. FORKLIFT SAFETY TIPS For companies looking to improve forklift safety, the following tips can be very helpful. Many of them are simple to implement and can have a direct and immediate effect. June 2018
• Don’t push with tips - The tips of a forklift can damage objects quite seriously, and should never be used to push anything. In addition to causing damage by the impact, they can easily crush most things if they apply pressure against another object. FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING As with almost every type of workplace safety, the best place to start is with an excellent training program. These training classes will primarily be focused on teaching operators how to do their jobs properly and safely. All employees can benefit from learning about forklifts though. Since just about everyone who works in a manufacturing facility or warehouse will encounter forklifts at some point, it is good for them to know as much about them as possible. Letting people know that they need to leave plenty of room around the forklift at all times is a good start. Also, teaching employees where the forklift operator can’t see is critical for keeping them out of these areas. Developing an effective safety training program can take a lot of time and effort, but it is an investment that will result in a much safer work environment. About the author - “Creative Safety Supply are Leaders in Visual Safety™, and strive to help companies create the visual systems they need to keep their employees safe and their spaces compliant, all while keeping Lean manufacturing principles in mind. From forklift safety to OSHA compliance to facility efficiency, Creative Safety Supply offers extensive resources for business owners and facility managers. Explore resources and shop product at creativesafetysupply.com.”
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PRODUCT PREVIEW
Dematic AGV receives UL system safety certification
Powered transporter makes drum handling easy for one operator
Dematic AGVs are the first to receive UL certification to the UL 3100 Standard. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) performs safety testing and certification on a variety of products, facilities, processes and systems worldwide. Its standards are recognized by industry, government and consumers as third-party certification of safer operation. As a member of UL’s Standards Technical Panel, Dematic participated in the development of UL 3100, a new safety standard specifically for AGVs. The requirements of UL 3100 call for a holistic system approach to evaluation, testing and certification to help ensure that the batteries, chargers and end products are protected against electric shock and fire. www.dematic.com
Liftomatic Material Handling, Inc. introduced the Ergo-PWPL-750 powered drum handling transport, a completely self-contained, powered drum handling transport that engages, lifts, lowers and moves all steel, plastic and fiber drums. The unit incorporates power drive forward and reverse, as well as power lift and lower features for moving drums quickly and safely in plants, warehouses and laboratories. Varying weight capacities are available between 650 and 1000 pounds. As part of Liftomatic’s Ergo-Matic® line, the unit is equipped with a fully programmable set of controls for easy operator adjustment. www.liftomatic.com
New hoists offer industry-leading technology and safety Columbus McKinnon Corporation introduces its Yale® YK™ and Shaw-Box® SK™ electric wire rope hoists. The Yale YK and Shaw-Box SK monorail hoists offer reliable operation, high efficiency and long life. The Yale YK and Shaw-Box SK are designed with safety in mind, incorporating standard safety features such as a block-operated limit switch, adjustable geared limit switch, motor temperature control and overload protection. The Yale YK and Shaw-Box SK are ideal for applications with space limitations, featuring a low headroom trolley that can be used on monorail runways and single-girder overhead travelling cranes. www.cmworks.com
New Dock Stop Gate prevents accidents The Dock Stop Gate from “Save”ty Yellow Products is a new safety solution designed to prevent accidents – specifically forklifts driving or backing off docks at warehouse and facility gates. Designed to withstand 4,000 pounds at 5 mph, the Dock Stop is a powerful solution that includes two rotating arms that lock with a pin, two 42”bollards, and a 30” bollard available. Meets OSHA requirements and has 5/8”x 4-3/4” wedge anchors on request. The 38” tall guards protect against a common form of damage – bends and kinks from forklifts or pallet jacks. Not only is this kind of mistake a costly one, but it shuts down production. www.save-ty.com
Camso launches industry-first non-marking anti-static tire Camso unveils the first patented anti-static forklift tire to resolve the important safety issue of static electricity generated by non-marking tires. In high-intensity applications, tires are pushed beyond their limits and are likely to experience heat buildup. Where non-marking tires are used, operators and warehouse managers also have the issue of static build-up to consider. Camso took these issues seriously and created the revolutionary Solideal PON 775 NMAS tire, the world’s first press-on that prevents static buildup on non-marking tires thereby resolving potential safety issues for forklift operators as well as facility damage. www.camso.co
Introducing Avery® Surface Safe™ sign labels Avery Products Corporation introduces Surface Safe Sign Labels, customizable signage that leaves no damage or residue on walls, windows, stainless steel and more. The sign labels are made of a durable polyester material that’s water, chemical, abrasion and tear resistant. They’re perfect for creating caution, hazard, compliance, warning and confined space signs, as well signs for offices, schools, special events and home. They’re easy to customize and users can either print them from a standard desktop printer or have them custom printed by Avery WePrint, the company’s professional printing service. www.avery.com