Sadly, industrial accidents and injuries at construction locations are very common and occur more often than anybody would like. Based on statistics, a lot of these mishaps happen as a result of not enough or wholly absent safety training and protocols. A machine like for example a forklift can be a very dangerous type of machinery if used incorrectly.
With most kinds of machines, proper maintenance is the initial step towards maintenance. You should make sure that the machinery is working at an optimum level before trying to use it and you must never try to use something that doesn't seem to be working correctly. Safety first!
In general, there are several pertinent safety measures which are key to help using construction and warehouse machines. For starters, the tines, shovels or other lifting components must never ever be used to transport people. This specific machine is not a moving work station or an elevator. It is a heavy-duty piece of industrial equipment that should be always respected.
It is vital to ensure that any cargo you have is properly settled and balanced prior to trying to raise it. Any unwieldy or poorly centered object stands a good chance of falling off the blades and possibly injuring passers-by or co-workers. Furthermore, whatever is being transported can easily end up broken.
It is never a good idea to stand between the load, a wall or other surface and the forklift. The operator of the forklift might not be able to see exactly where you are from their position and can end up crushing your arm accidentally in between items if you are not paying attention. It is not a good idea to be hanging around machines that is in use.
Know and follow the load restrictions of a particular machines load bearing characteristics. Severe injury and damage could occur if you attempt to lift anything which is very heavy or too big. Also, take note of your load's height and speed while you are transporting it to make sure you are in the correct safety parameters.
Your chances of a workplace mishap is greatly reduced if you can use your forklift in a safe way. Product damage and injuries could be prevented easily as long as everybody takes the time to make sure that they are following the safety guidelines set out by the manufacturer for that particular model.