Avoiding Common OSHA Forklift Violations

Warehouse industry professionals are well-aware that workplace safety is of the utmost importance, with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) serving as the federal government agency in charge of ensuring this safety. OSHA has the authority to address forklift safety violations within warehouses, and has conducted a massive campaign to encourage warehouse managers to properly train forklift operators and comply with safety standards. However, forklift violations still occur frequently and appear to be increasing.
To combat this trend, warehouse managers should take note of common forklift violations, including inspection violations, neglecting precautions when operating on ramps, lack of proper fire prevention equipment, and training. Neglecting pre-operational inspections is a common, serious violation, as any damaged or defective forklifts must be taken out of service until repairs are completed. Neglecting precautions when operating forklifts on ramps and neglecting the provision of proper fire prevention equipment can also pose a significant risk. Finally, warehouse managers must provide both initial and refresher training for forklift operators to keep up with changes in the workplace environment. All training sessions should be documented and records should be kept showing driver certification information, performance benchmarks, and attendance. By being proactive in identifying and addressing these common violations, warehouse managers can create a safer work environment for all.