A
fork lift truck is a complex piece of industrial equipment that must
be treated with care and respect. Each year there are tens of thousands
of forklift related injuries reported. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) provide standards and safety checklists for forklift
operators. Careful adherence to the guidelines laid out by OSHA, as
well as those provided by the lift manufacturer will drastically reduce
the risk of a workplace injury.
Many fork lift truck, or powered industrial truck (PIT), accidents
involve property damage as well as physical injury. The lift itself,
or another industrial machine, may be harmed. Overheads sprinklers,
shelving, walls, and pipes are also common victims of forklift attacks.
The majority of these incidents could be avoided with proper training,
operating procedures and safety rule enforcement.
Many businesses cannot function properly without a fork lift truck.
Gas, diesel and electric powered lifts are available. There are front-loading
and side-loading versions as well as models designed to fit into very
narrow aisles. Motorized hand trucks are also on the market to fit the
needs of any company.