Consequences of a forklift accident range from minor damage to severe human injury, and even death. Most of these accidents are preventable, mainly as many are as a result of driver error or negligence. Below are four common driver-related causes of forklift accidents, and the solution to preventing them:
Four Common Driver-Related Forklift Accidents
- Incorrect Load Capacity: Carrying a load that is too heavy not only impacts a forklift’s performance but could result in it tipping over – causing immense damage and injury. The reasons behind this type of accident are either the driver not knowing the forklift’s weight capacity, or disregarding its weight limit restrictions.
- Speeding: Speeding is an inexcusable cause of a forklift accident, yet shockingly common. Excessive speed, on its own, is a dangerous factor. But what makes it worse is that drivers continue speeding even when navigating a corner, as well as while carrying a heavy or highly stacked load.
- Not following communication protocols: Lack of verbal communication by forklift drivers to other drivers and staff in their proximity leads to accidents. Not following forklift safety protocols such as using the vehicles sound, lighting and other built-in signal systems also result in preventable accidents.
- Unsecured or poorly secured load: Unsecured or poorly secured loads are common, especially between short distances. These circumstances lead to accidents caused by items falling off the forklift – sometimes in the path of another vehicle.
- Vehicle misuse: Misuse includes not inspecting a forklift before use, not checking fuel or hydraulic fluid levels and even not parking correctly (i.e. in a designated area with the fork and brake lowered, controls on neutral and ignition off).
How To Prevent Driver-Related Forklift Accidents
Forklift safety training is the answer to preventing driver-related forklift accidents. It serves a dual purpose, firstly by training drivers on the correct forklift safety procedures and practical applications. It also educates drivers on the detrimental risks of not adhering to these rules and safety measures. Required forklift safety training is for both newly appointed drivers, as well as experienced drivers that have forgotten their previous safety training information or have fallen into a habit of not following protocols.
RT Equipment can take care of all your forklift driver training needs. Our training courses equip drivers with both theory-based knowledge of safety procedures and rules, as well as practical training on the correct methods and techniques required to operate forklifts safely.