Places Not Leave or Park Forklift at Work (Know to Avoid Accident)

One of the important steps in dealing with forklift safety is recognizing why and where accidents commonly happen.

The frequent cause of an accident at the workplace is just by leaving the forklift idle for long period of time or by just parking it in an undesignated location. Parking or leaving a forklift may seem a simple duty. But when it is parked improperly, it could pose a very serious hazard. This simple mistake could create a safety issue in the workplace.

Here are the places not to leave or park the forklift at work:

• Never leave the forklift where it could block any passageway of pedestrians and it should not block any exit or entrance of the workplace.
  
  
• Never leave the forklift on an inclined slope where it could tip over especially when it is loaded with materials. If the truck becomes immobilized on a slope or ramp, the wheels should be wedged and secured and the emergency brake is engaged until such repair can be done.
  
  
• Never leave the forklift in refueling area. The refueling area is only designated for that purpose only.
  
  
• Never leave the truck near a fire exit or near firefighting appliances, it could block the passageway in the event of a fire.
  
  
• The truck cannot be left near fire lanes where it could get in the way and block the emergency vehicles and personnel.
  
  
• Do not leave the truck where the flow of other vehicles in the workplace may be obstructed.
  
  
• Do not park the forklift in a location with its fork arms protruding the passageway, where there are a lot of pedestrians who will have to step over them.
  
  
• Do not leave the truck in any access doorways and it should not block any stairways of the workplace.
  
  
• Never leave the truck near first aid stations. An accident could happen anytime and anywhere, the first aid station should be clear and accessible in such event.
  
  
• The forklift must not be left where there are sources of heat or open flames, or in any place near a source of ignition.

Good Habits to Follow When Leaving the Forklifts Idle

An unattended forklift is a big danger to the operator and to other workers around unless it is secured. Here are the good practices you can follow when leaving a forklift or when you have finished working with it:

• The forklift should only be operated by an operator who is properly trained and certified. The employer must evaluate the operator’s competency in handling the powered industrial truck. If retraining is needed, it is the employer’s responsibility to give them the refresher training.
  
  
• The employer should designate an area where operators can park their forklifts.
  
  
• Secure the forklift with a wedge before leaving it unattended. The operator should be the one to do this. Set the brakes and engage the emergency brake.
  
  
• Park the forklift in an approved area designated by the supervisor. The area should have proper safety signs cautioning the operators of good habits.
  
  
• Lower the forks or blades to the floor. If it is loaded, make sure the load is completely on the ground and the forks are tilted forward before leaving the truck.
  
  
• Neutralize the controls. The controls should be in a neutral position before the forklift operator leave the compartment. If the truck is running, the operator can dismount only if the emergency brake is engaged.
  
  
• Turn off the motor switch. The key should be removed to avert unauthorized operation of the forklift. Return the key to a safe place for safekeeping.
  
  
• The forklift operator should stay behind within 25 feet of the truck and the truck should remain in the operator's view at all times.
  
  
• When the forklift is being operated near a railroad, it should be at least 8 feet away from the railroad junction.
  
  
• If the forklift is gas or diesel-powered, its fuel supply valve at the cylinder must be closed when the forklift is to be left for a long time. If the truck is idle overnight, close the fuel supply valve and then start the engine until the fuel in the line is exhausted.

Read related articles:

• What is Forklift Speed Limit In Factory & Practices to Control Speeding
• If Forklift Starts To Tip Over, Forklift Operator Should Do These
• Is Smoking in Forklift Cabin Allowed & What You Can Do Prevent It?

The Significance of Forklift Safety and Proper Parking

A. Explanation of Forklift Safety Protocols

Forklift safety protocols are a set of procedures and guidelines designed to ensure the safe operation of forklifts, prevent workplace injuries, and maintain an efficient workflow. They encompass a broad range of practices, including but not limited to: proper training for all operators, regular equipment inspections and maintenance, proper loading and unloading procedures, as well as specific protocols for parking a forklift. Proper forklift parking mandates that the machine is left with the forks lowered to the ground, the parking brake applied, the power turned off, and the keys removed to prevent unauthorized use.

B. The Impact of Improper Forklift Parking on Safety and Productivity

Improper forklift parking can have a significant impact on both workplace safety and productivity. From a safety perspective, a poorly parked forklift poses a risk of injury to workers due to accidental movement, tipping, or falls, particularly if left on an incline or near pedestrian walkways. Furthermore, if parked inappropriately near hazardous materials, it can lead to severe incidents involving spills or explosions.

From a productivity standpoint, a forklift that is left in the wrong location can obstruct workflow, blocking access to necessary equipment or supplies, and causing delays in operations. If left in front of emergency exits or firefighting equipment, it could also lead to severe consequences in the event of an emergency situation, hampering evacuation procedures or emergency response efforts.

C. Statistics on Accidents Caused by Improper Forklift Parking

According to reports by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift-related accidents are responsible for approximately 100 fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries each year in the United States alone. While not all these accidents are due to improper parking, it is a significant contributing factor. A study found that about 25% of forklift accidents are related to improper parking or leaving forklifts unattended. This not only underscores the importance of adhering to forklift safety protocols but also highlights the need for ongoing training and reinforcement of these safety measures.

Read related article: When Driving A Forklift The Forks Should Be At What Height

The Consequences of Ignorably Leaving or Parking Forklifts

A. Legal Repercussions and Penalties

Failing to follow proper forklift parking procedures can have serious legal repercussions. Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S., or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the U.K., enforce stringent safety regulations in the workplace. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines, sanctions, or even business closure in severe cases. Moreover, if negligent forklift operation leads to an accident, the company could face lawsuits for personal injury or wrongful death.

B. Workplace Injuries and Fatalities

Improperly parked forklifts present a significant risk of injury or death to employees. They can roll, tip over, or their unsecured loads can fall, leading to accidents. Pedestrians are especially at risk if a forklift is parked in a high-traffic area or where visibility is poor. Furthermore, obstructing fire exits or emergency equipment with a parked forklift could hamper evacuation or emergency response, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes.

C. Equipment Damage and Loss of Productivity

When forklifts are left or parked inappropriately, they can cause damage to other equipment, products, or infrastructure. Such damages can be expensive to repair and cause operational delays. Moreover, a forklift parked in a spot that blocks access to supplies or interrupts the workflow can lead to significant productivity losses. In a fast-paced industrial environment, these delays can have considerable financial implications.

D. Insurance Complications

Failure to adhere to safety regulations, including improper forklift parking, can lead to complications with insurance claims. Many insurance companies require proof of adherence to safety standards to validate coverage. If an accident occurs due to a breach of safety regulations, it may void the insurance coverage, leaving the company to bear the full brunt of financial losses. Furthermore, a history of safety violations could lead to increased insurance premiums.

Best Practices for Safe Forklift Parking

A. Appropriate Places to Park a Forklift

Forklifts should be parked in designated areas that do not obstruct walkways, exits, firefighting equipment, or operational areas. They should not be left on inclines unless the wheels are properly blocked. Forklifts should also be parked away from hazardous material storage areas to reduce the risk of accidents involving these substances. Always ensure that the forks are fully lowered to the ground, the parking brake is engaged, and the machine is turned off before leaving it unattended.

B. Implementation of Visual Markers and Signs for Designated Forklift Parking

Implementing clear visual markers and signs for designated forklift parking areas can significantly improve workplace safety. This includes painted floor markings, signs indicating that the area is specifically for forklift parking, and other visual cues such as safety cones or barriers. This clear demarcation helps to reduce confusion and ensures all employees are aware of where forklifts should be parked.

C. Training and Reinforcement of Safe Forklift Parking Practices

Forklift safety training should always include proper parking procedures. All operators should be thoroughly trained in these procedures and the training should be regularly refreshed to ensure ongoing compliance. Using a combination of practical demonstrations, instructional videos, and written materials can help to reinforce these safe practices. Regular safety meetings can also serve as an opportunity to remind employees of the importance of proper forklift parking.

D. The Role of Supervision and Safety Audits in Maintaining Safety Standards

Effective supervision is critical to ensure that safe forklift parking practices are being followed. Supervisors should regularly monitor for compliance and provide immediate feedback if unsafe practices are observed. Regular safety audits can also play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards. These audits, performed by internal or external auditors, should include checks for correct forklift parking and provide recommendations for improvement if necessary. These measures, combined with a strong safety culture, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by improperly parked forklifts.

Case Studies

A. Examples of Accidents Due to Improper Forklift Parking

• Case Study 1: In 2017, a large manufacturing company in the U.S. experienced a significant accident when a forklift was improperly parked on an incline without the handbrake applied. The forklift rolled back, colliding with a storage rack and causing a domino effect, which resulted in severe property damage and injury to several employees.
  
  
• Case Study 2: In the U.K., a supermarket chain was prosecuted by the HSE after a pedestrian was struck by a poorly parked forklift. The forklift had been left in a high-traffic pedestrian area with its engine running, leading to serious injury for the individual involved.

B. Success Stories of Companies That Implemented Strong Forklift Safety Protocols

• Case Study 3: A prominent warehouse company was struggling with regular minor accidents due to poor forklift parking practices. After implementing a rigorous safety training program and creating clearly marked, designated forklift parking zones, the company experienced a 70% reduction in forklift-related incidents within a year.
  
  
• Case Study 4: A multinational manufacturing company introduced a comprehensive forklift safety program that included robust training, regular safety audits, and strict enforcement of proper parking protocols. The program also fostered a safety-first culture with active involvement from both management and employees. This approach led to a significant decrease in forklift-related accidents and an increase in overall productivity, positioning the company as a leader in workplace safety.

To Conclude This

Ensuring forklifts are not left or parked improperly at work is a crucial component of workplace safety, minimizing risk of injury, damage, and disruptions in productivity. Missteps in forklift parking can lead to severe legal repercussions, costly damages, and even tragic fatalities. By recognizing the areas where forklifts should never be parked, such as fire exits, staircases, high-traffic walkways, and near hazardous materials, businesses can create a safer environment for their employees.

Implementing clear markers for designated parking areas, coupled with comprehensive training and constant reinforcement of safe parking practices, can greatly improve compliance. Furthermore, routine supervision and safety audits help maintain these high safety standards, catching any potential issues before they escalate into serious problems.

Case studies have highlighted the stark consequences of ignoring proper forklift parking rules, but they also underscore the tremendous benefits that companies can reap from implementing robust safety protocols. A commitment to forklift safety isn't just good for protecting people and property—it's also good for the bottom line.

As we move forward, let's remember the importance of proper forklift parking and use this knowledge to foster a safety-first culture in our workplaces. Whether you're a forklift operator, supervisor, or simply an employee, we all play a part in maintaining a safe and efficient working environment. Never underestimate the power of proper forklift parking—it can literally save lives.