Forklift Fatalities Apparently Declined in 2010
Posted by proforma on November 21, 2011
Preliminary statistics seem to indicate that forklift fatalities declined in 2010, according to this report by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. What safety professionals are wondering is if the decline is due to better safety enforcement, or fewer forklifts operating because of the poorer economy.
Safety managers are reporting increased focus on training and zero tolerance for incidents, with some companies enforcing more stringent policies that include a rule that every new driver must pass a training course, followed by a number of hours paired with an experienced driver. If an incident occurs, the worker is removed from forklift operations (possibly with a demotion) for retraining and retesting. If the problem persists, the individual is removed from forklift operations entirely. Critical is to establish clear rules, describe what happens when a rule is violated, communicate them repeatedly in writing and verbal form, document accurately and enforce your decisions.
Filed Under: Workplace Safety
