The HSE have highlighted the need to effectively manage forklift operations after a recent incident at a UK business.
During the incident, an employee was struck by a forklift truck after the driver’s view was obscured by the load being carried. The driver was unaware that a pedestrian was walking in front of the vehicle at the time of the collision.
An investigation found that the company had failed to effectively manage forklift truck operations and designated pedestrian routes.
As a result of this and another separate incident taking place at the business within a three-month period, the company was fined over £50,000.
Best practice for reducing risk
With around 1,300 serious injuries occurring as a result of forklift-related accidents each year, it’s vital that businesses take measures to reduce risk wherever they can.
Here are some key considerations, as a starting point:
- Provide operators, and those working around them, with relevant training to equip them with the skills and knowledge to keep themselves and others safe from harm. Ensure that operator training meets requirements for safety and compliance by looking for accreditation by member bodies of the Accrediting Bodies Association for Workplace Transport
- Physical segregation, where possible, is essential to ensure those on foot remain a safe distance from any moving MHE
- Ensure that procedures such as Safe Systems of Work and safe routes around site are in place for both operators and pedestrians, and that these are adhered to at all times. Should additional assistance be required to ensure trucks can safely navigate around obstacles or with certain loads, further support measures can be used, such as workplace transport marshals to chaperone
- The management of operations is key to ensure that all the vital training, safety measures and procedures put in place are followed in the long term. Make sure managers and supervisors know what to look out for and that they carry out regular monitoring to ensure that everyone sticks to the plan. Don’t forget to review things over time to ensure it all remains relevant
For workplace transport risks, including the management of forklift operations and separation of pedestrians and vehicles, please see the HSE’s guide to workplace transport safety.
For any guidance on relevant training for your operations, contact us today.
To read the full HSE report on this incident, click here.