SAFETY MEETING TOPICS WORKING NEAR FORKLIFTS Copyright by

SAFETY MEETING TOPICS WORKING NEAR FORKLIFTS Copyright by the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction 3504 Parliament Ct. Alexandria, LA 71303 © All rights reserved. This material or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction

INTRODUCTION In many workplaces, forklifts are the primary tool for material handling. As useful as forklifts are, they can be deadly if not operated safely and if pedestrians are not aware of the hazards of working near forklifts. Forklift training is not just for the forklift operator. In this training session, we will discuss the hazards of working near forklifts and what workers can do to stay safe.

SESSION OBJECTIVES After this training you should be able to: • Identify the hazards associated with working around forklifts • Describe the preventive measures workers can take to keep themselves safe while working around forklifts • Demonstrate how to include Forklift Safety Awareness into a Pre-Job Briefing or ‘Tailgate’ Meeting

FORKLIFTS ARE SPECIALIZED VEHICLES • Forklifts outweigh many cars • A fully loaded Forklift may weigh 5, 000 lbs. • Forklifts steer from the back wheels causing the rear end to swing out • Forklift operators have reduced visibility

FORKLIFTS ARE SPECIALIZED VEHICLES • Forklifts are noisy – the operator will not hear you • Forklifts are driven where they are needed – don’t expect them to stay on a road • The Forklift’s load may be a hazard to you

HAZARD ASSESSMENT Every job-site can present a different series of potential hazards: • ‘Struck-by’ injuries • Cuts - Abrasions • Foot Injuries • Crushing Injuries • Traffic related • Eye Injuries • Hearing loss

HAZARD ASSESSMENT • Hazard Assessments are Job-Site Specific • each location has its own • Hazard Assessments identify all potential hazards • some may not be obvious • Hazard Assessments match a Preventive Safety Action to each hazard identified • Hazard Assessments result in written and communicated Emergency Plans for the site and the job at hand

PREVENTIVE SAFETY MEASURES • Listen – for engine noise • Listen – backup alarms • Listen – forklift horns • Look – for flashing lights • Watch – as the forklift operator maneuvers the vehicle • Stay back from the forklift until the operator sees you • Keep your feet away from the forklift tires

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT • Hard Hat • Work Gloves • Safety Glasses / Goggles • Safety-toed Shoes • High-Visibility Vests • Hearing Protection • Long sleeve shirts – heavy cotton work pants • Traffic Cones

COMMUNICATING WITH THE OPERATOR • Forklifts are noisy communicating with the operator requires hand arm signals • Anyone working around forklifts should know these common signals

COMMUNICATING WITH THE CREW • Pre-Job Briefings (Tailgate Meetings) • Tailgate meetings are important in identifying and communicating hazards to the crew and what will be done to prevent accidents and keep the crewmembers safe.

OSHA REGULATIONS OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910. 178(m)(2) No person shall be allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910. 178(m)(3) Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized. OSHA Regulations Snap-Shots 1910. 178(m)(4) The employer shall prohibit arms or legs from being placed between the uprights of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck.

ANY QUESTIONS? Do you have any questions about: • What hazards are associated with working around forklifts? • What actions can be taken to keep personnel safe around forklifts? • How to communicate with a forklift operator? • How to communicate forklift hazards and preventive measures to a crew?