How Well Do You Know Forklift Safety?
May 24, 2012 Leave a Comment
With the inherent danger of operating forklifts, safety is a top priority. Despite all of the rules and regulations, people still are injured or die from forklift accidents every year in the United States. Most of those accidents could have been avoided if the proper attention, training, and safety precautions were followed.
It is the responsibility of all forklift drivers to make safety their first priority! Test your forklift safety knowledge with the quiz below. As always – BE SAFE IN THE MOMENT!
1. Who can operate a forklift?
a. Anyone
b. Anyone over the age of 18
c. Anyone over the age of 18 who is certified and trained
d. Anyone the boss gives permission to
2. How often should forklifts be inspected for safety?
a. Before every shift
b. Once a week
c. Once a month
d. Only if there seems to be a mechanical problem
3. What should a driver do if the forklift is going to tip over?
a. Quickly jump out of forklift
b. Remain seated with seat belt on, and hang onto the steering wheel
c. Remove seat belt but stay in the forklift
d. Scream
4. What are the most common forklift injuries?
a. Forklift overturns
b. Workers stuck, crushed or pinned by a forklift
c. Falls from a forklift
d. All of the above
5. Where should the forklift driver focus his eyesight when operating a forklift?
a. Straight ahead
b. He or she should constantly change directions to take in surroundings
c. In the direction the forklift is moving
d. Anyway but behind
6. Where should forklift riders sit/stand?
a. Sharing the driver’s seat
b. On the fork
c. Holding onto the side
d. Riders are only permitted if the forklift has a passenger seat
Answers:
1. C. Only drivers who are trained should operate forklifts. According to OSHA, “It is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified to do so.”
2. A. Forklifts should be checked before every shift to ensure they are in proper working order and that all safety measures are in place. An operator should never operate a forklift if they find any safety issues.
3. B. A driver should NEVER remove his seat belt or jump out. The safest thing to do in the event of a tip over is to remain seated with your seat belt on with a tight grip on the steering wheel. The driver should lean forward and toward the opposite side of the tip over. Feet should be braced on the floor. Jumping out of the forklift can be fatal. The vehicle’s frame will offer protection to the driver who remains inside.
4. B. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, these are the most common fatal injuries. From 1980 to 1994, forklift related incidents caused the deaths of 1,021 workers in the United States.
5. C. A forklift operator should always look in the direction the machine is heading. When making a turn, the driver must stop the vehicle completely and look both ways to make sure everything is clear and no individuals are in the way before moving.
Designed to handle the most demanding indoor applications, the cushion tire GC120MHJ excels in performance, reliability, and durability. It’s particularly suited for heavy attachment usage, such as paper roll clamps, push/pulls, rotators, and more!
