Forklifts are a practical yet high-risk piece of mobile plant however, they are associated with many workplace incidents, injuries and in some cases fatalities. For this reason, only persons who hold a Forklift High-Risk Work Licence shall operate forklifts and effective controls must be considered and implemented in workplaces. In line with WHS legislation, the hierarchy of control first instructs employers to eliminate hazards and risks. If employers cannot eliminate hazards and risks, then they must work through the hierarchy and select controls that most effectively reduce the risk.
How can forklift safety be achieved?
Worksites should be assessed to identify how forklifts are operated onsite and what risks this operation creates.
From a workplace planning perspective:
- Implement a traffic management plan for the worksite that controls:
- Loading zones
- Speed
- Forklift and pedestrian interaction
- Aim to eliminate blind spots within forklift operating areas or, if this is not achievable install mirrors to increase visibility
- Restrict unauthorised access in areas where forklifts operate
From an operational perspective:
- Use forklifts for the purpose for which it was designed
- Operators of forklifts must hold a forklift High-Risk Work Licence which can be applied for after completing the required training and assessment with a registered training organisation. Forklift training can be completed through the MTA
- Ensure forklifts are regularly maintained and have functioning audio and visual alarms
- Workers have an obligation to comply with reasonable instructions, which includes following traffic management plans and safe work procedures
- Operators must conduct a pre-start inspection of the forklift before use and if defects that compromise the safe operation are identified, the forklift must be tagged out of service and reported to relevant manager
- Identify the weight of the load being lifted and ensure that is within the capacity of the forklift
- Ensure that the weight of the load is evenly distributed
- Drive with tines lowered close to the ground
- Consider limiting the speed of forklifts
- Be aware of any overhead hazards and maintain a safe distance from powerlines and electrical cables
Forklift incidents
Any incident relating to forklifts must be reported to an appropriate person at the workplace, this allows incidents to be investigated and corrective actions implemented to prevent reoccurrence. Depending on the nature and the severity of the incident, it may also need to be reported to SafeWork SA. Guidance on what meets the criteria of a Notifiable Incident can be accessed from the SafeWork SA website.
Remember, the ultimate objective of workplace safety can be achieved when all parties fulfil their responsibilities.
