An Introduction To Forklift Safety

The hazards associated with a workplace can sometimes be compared to other types of businesses but in many cases, these hazards are unique to a specific company and sometimes, location.

Forklift safety will sometimes begin as an attitude, but over time it usually becomes a culture. Whether the culture is positive or negative largely depends on the managers, supervisors and foreman that typically set and enforce a list of safety policies. Most people will agree that the critical part is whether they were set correctly in the first place and whether they are being enforced on an ongoing basis.

The main reference book, as it relates to forklift safety, and many other aspects of safety in the workplace, is essentially the Occupational Health & Safety ( OHS ) Regulation.

Written by WorkSafeBC, the OHS regulation describes in detail what you can and cannot do when it comes to operating and maintaining forklifts at your place of business. This regulation has been written to interpret the Workers Compensation Act as it applies to Canada but more specifically, British Columbia. The regulation sometimes refers to the recommendations and regulations of CSA, ANSI and UL, but not always.

Important Note : Although the Occupational Health & Safety regulation attempts to outline the important issues that any employer must address for each and every employee working in BC, it is up to the employer to provide a safe working environment for all employees regardless of whether the OHS regulation is incomplete for your particular business type.

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Occupational Health & Safety Regulation

Please refer to Section 16 of the OHS regulation because it applies specifically to mobile equipment however, it would be a mistake to only refer to Section 16 because there are other sections in the OHS that also apply to forklift trucks.

Ignoring the OHS regulation can potentially land you in hot water, particularly if you experience a workplace accident that is life changing or fatal. Can you imagine having to live with the outcome of such an event as an employer?

Regardless of whether a forklift related injury has occurred or not, you may be on the receiving end of a fine from WorkSafeBC for ignoring the OHS regulation. WorkSafeBC penalties are not cheap and are intended to act as a deterrent for other businesses who treat safety as a low priority.

 Examples of WorkSafeBC Employer Penalties

WorkSafeBC OHS Regulations

WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Pertaining To Forklift Operator Training

WorkSafeBC Forklift Safety Videos

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A List Of The Top Forklift Safety Accessories

Please be aware that this is only a partial list that will not likely be adequate to cover each and every forklift application or set of circumstances.

For guidance on exactly what forklift accessories are required at your company ( located in BC ), please refer to the WorkSafeBC OHS regulation.

Please keep in mind that forklift manufacturers have their own list of proprietary safety accessories, separate from the list below, and they should also be considered.

For businesses located outside of BC, please refer to the governing safety authority in your Province or State.

• Forklift Data Plate ( Make, Model, Serial Number, GVW etc. )
• Forklift Capacity Data Plate ( Payload Capacity Based On Load Center, Lifting Height etc. )
• Drivers Overhead Guard ( OHG )
• Load Back Rest
• Mirrors
• Retractable Seat Belts
• Back Up Alarm
• Headlights
• Strobe Light
• Back Up Lights
• Tail Lights
• Brake Lights
• Turn Signals
• Diesel Scrubber ( Diesel Fueled Forklifts )
• Three Way Closed Loop Catalytic Purimuffler ( Propane Fueled Forklifts )
• EE Construction, Spark Arresting ( Electric Forklifts )
• EX Construction, Explosion Proof ( Electric Forklifts )
• Weigh Scales

For more information on how to protect your employees by improving forklift safety, please contact Scott McLeod at Fleetman Consulting Inc. today by calling (604) 614-3530 so we can tailor a plan that is right for you.

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