Promote “Accident”-Free Environments…Train to PREVENT IT!

The number of forklift “accidents” continues to be a substantial concern in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) ninety percent of all forklifts will be involved in some type of “accident” during their useful life. Forklift fatalities occur mostly in manufacturing facilities, construction, and wholesale trade where nearly half all of fatalities are caused by tip over of the forklift.

Two recent forklift accidents include:

Norfolk Iron & Metal – 24-year old De’Andra Moore was crushed by a forklift in early February of 2011. Investigators say a forklift accidentally hooked onto a large steel tray and pushed it into Moore, crushing him between the tray and a steel rack. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene and had been a full-time employee at the Norfolk warehouse.

Steel Warehouse in Indiana – 47-year old Michael Gorzkiewicz was killed in early February of 2011 when a forklift crushed him. The investigation suggested that Gorzkiewicz was behind a forklift that had been parked on an inclined ramp, when the forklift gave way, rolled backward and crushed him between the forklift and a truck. Investigators reported that the forklift involved was towed away from the scene and impounded.
  
Studies demonstrate that most accidents are preventable with proper training and that training can aid in reducing the severity of an accident. It is the responsibility of companies to not only ensure workers have the training, knowledge, and experience to operate specific lifting devices but to also provide a safe work environment.

According to the Department of Labor (DOL) it is important that employers conduct training in conjunction with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A few of the areas the DOL will investigate during compliance checks include:

• Assessing work environments to ensure the protection of workers who are in the vicinity of forklifts and lifting devices
• Maintenance of lifting equipment - to prevent mechanical or operational failure
• Ensure lifting devices are equipped with suitable ropes, chains, slings, etc.
• Assessing operating procedures including the role of workers and supervisors in daily activities

Lift Training strongly believes in accident prevention and will work with your company to ensure the standards outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act are maintained. We provide a wide range of safety training courses that meet OSHA national standards. Promote “accident” free environments, prevent it!

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