Sadly, injuries and industrial accidents at construction locations are extremely common and happen more often than anyone would prefer. Based on statistics, a huge majority of these mishaps happen as a result of wholly absent or not enough safety training and protocols. An equipment like for example a lift truck can be an extremely dangerous type of machine if used incorrectly.
Correct maintenance is the initial step towards safety as with most kinds of equipment. You should make sure that the machinery is working at an optimum level prior to attempting to use it and you should never attempt to use anything that doesn't seem to be working properly. Safety is always first!
There are several important safety tips that are relevant to construction and warehouse equipment in general. For starters, the shovels, tines or other lifting parts must never ever be used to transport people. This machinery is not an elevator or a moving work station. It is a heavy-duty piece of industrial machine that must be respected at all times.
It is important to ensure that any cargo you have is properly settled and balanced before attempting to lift it. Any poorly or unwieldy centered thing stands a good chance of falling off the blades and can injure co-worker or passers-by. What's more, whatever is being transported can end up broken easily.
Never stand in between a truck and a load, wall or other surface. From their position, the operator of the forklift may not be able to see precisely where you are and can end up crushing your arm accidentally in between things if you are not paying attention. It is not a wise idea to be hanging around machines that is being utilized.
Follow and know the load restrictions of a particular equipment's load bearing characteristics. Severe damage and injury could happen if you try to lift anything that is very large or too heavy. Moreover, take note of your load's height and speed while you are transporting it to make sure you are in the proper safety parameters.
Operating a lift truck in a safe way could really lessen your chance of accidents in the workplace. Injuries and product damage could be avoided easily so long as everyone takes the time to make sure that they are following the safety guidelines set out by the manufacturer for that particular model.