Just Received Your Forklift Licence? Here are Top Mistakes to Avoid When Operating a Forklift
Obtaining the licence to operate a forklift is a critical step in the career of all forklift operators. However, this does not mean that you should be carefree when operating the equipment. Workers, particularly those who have received proper training and have advanced expertise, are bound to make mistakes and grow complacent, even when they have mastered the job. Proper training on best practices can help minimize or eliminate forklift accidents. This will also reduce the chances of having your licence revoked. Here are some of the top mistakes that you should avoid as you build your career in the heavy equipment industry.
Reckless Driving
Several practices can be termed as reckless driving when operating a forklift. Whether it's failing to look behind before reversing or not paying attention to pedestrian traffic, reckless driving can cause fatal accidents. It is essential to ensure that the area where you are operating the equipment is safe. Additionally, rear clearance is critical when reversing to avoid knocking over items or even people. You should maintain average speed and avoid taking sharp turns within a facility. Safe driving is paramount to maximizing forklift safety and preventing injuries and property damage.
Lack of Space Awareness
Poor perception of the size of a load on a forklift can cause avoidable accidents when using a forklift. Even the most experienced operators may lack the ability to accurately determine the space that a load will occupy during lifting operations. For this reason, it is imperative that there be a second set of eyes on board the equipment to help you in gauging space awareness. If a load is taking up a lot of space, the second individual can assist in making a proper judgment on the parameters of load size.
Overloading a Forklift
Taking on too much weight on a forklift can lead to the malfunction of the forklift or its attachments. It can also cause poor balance in operation and increase the risk of falling loads. Before loading a forklift, you should be familiar with its rating and the maximum load weight that it can accommodate without posing a safety risk or incurring a malfunction. When attachments are used, the total weight of the load and the attachment should not exceed that of the forklift. Also, ensure that you only handle stable and safely arranged loads to enhance the stability of the forklift.
As you bask in the excitement of obtaining a forklift licence, remember to follow these tips and avoid mistakes that can cause injuries, loss of life, or even damage to property in your operation site. To learn more, contact a forklift license training provider, like All Onsite Training and Assessment.