However, with great power comes great responsibility, and forklift-related accidents continue to be a cause for concern in the workplace.
According to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), forklifts are involved in approximately 1,300 workplace accidents each year in the United Kingdom, with about 5% resulting in a fatality or serious injury. This is unacceptable, but it doesn't mean we should give up on forklifts altogether.
On the contrary, forklifts are a must-have for any modern business that wants to stay efficient, productive, and competitive. Forklifts offer numerous benefits that outweigh the risks when operated properly and with safety protocols in place.
Let's take a closer look at some of these benefits:
- Efficiency: Forklifts can move heavy loads quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time and labor required to complete tasks. This not only saves time and money but also reduces the risk of worker fatigue and injury.
- Safety: Forklifts are designed to lift and move heavy loads safely, which can reduce the risk of injury to workers who would otherwise be required to lift and move the loads manually. However, safety protocols must be followed to ensure that forklifts are operated safely, such as ensuring that forklift operators are certified, wearing seat belts, and following established safety guidelines.
- Versatility: Forklifts come in a variety of sizes and types, allowing them to be used in a wide range of industries and settings. This versatility means that businesses can customize their material handling operations to suit their specific needs and optimize their workflows.
- Capacity: Forklifts are capable of lifting and moving heavy loads that would be difficult or impossible for humans to lift, allowing for greater flexibility in material handling. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the risk of worker injury and fatigue.
- Reliability: Forklifts are built to withstand heavy use and can last for many years with proper maintenance and care. This means that businesses can rely on forklifts to perform their tasks consistently and efficiently, without worrying about breakdowns and downtime.
So, if forklifts are so great, why do accidents still happen?
It is important to note that forklift-related accidents can have serious consequences, both in terms of human suffering and financial costs. Therefore, employers should take steps to ensure that their workers are safe around forklifts, and workers should receive proper training to operate forklifts safely. However, training is just one part of the solution.
Companies should also pay particular attention to understanding the circumstances in which forklifts are operating, and how they are used, maintained, and operated.
Understanding the circumstances around forklift-related accidents is crucial for improving workplace safety and preventing future incidents. By analyzing the circumstances of past accidents, employers and workers can identify potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them. For example, if an accident was caused by an operator's lack of training, the employer can provide additional training or ensure that all forklift operators are properly certified. Additionally, understanding the circumstances around accidents can help to develop best practices and safety protocols that can prevent future accidents.
At anet360, we believe that understanding the human element of forklift operations is key to preventing accidents. We enable companies to see their business through the eyes of their employees, providing an understanding of their cognitive workload, situational awareness, visual skills, and the environment and processes they work in. Our continuous improvement loop provides visual and objective data that enables companies to make data-driven decisions that improve workplace safety and prevent accidents.
