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Some questions for professionals

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bryan_n
California, United States

I was a logistics student that was doing a report on forklift safety. Through this I would like to get some feedback on how many accidents come from the weight not being properly displaced on the pallet. Would a product that let the driver know how the weight is displaced on the forks be useful if it could be displayed. Does OSHA step in and implement such safety mechanisms if they seee fit? I am gathering as much insight from professionals in the field and appreciate any feedback.

Modified 20 Dec 2006 07:46 PM
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joseph_h
Michigan, United States

bryan n:

Any device that improves forklift safety could be useful. Actual employer implementation of such a device, however, is doubtful. There are many safety devices currently available such as fork scales, speed limiting devices, etc. that can improve forklift safety. I do not see any mad rush by employers to obtain these devices. Building a better mousetrap does not equate to a mad rush to your door by buyers (as the old adage goes).

Weight displacement can be a factor in forklift accidents. It shifts the center of gravity of the load as well as the combined center of gravity of the forklift and its load closer to their respective stability bases and increases the susceptibility to forklift tipover or load loss from the dynamic forces of accelerating, braking,  turning, and load shifting.

It is not possible to determine with any certainty how great a factor weight displacement is in forklift accidents. Forklift accident data in the U. S. is scarce as there is no uniform data collection system currently in use. The current accident reporting required under OSHA pertains only to accidents involving death or in-patient hospitalization of three or more employees as a result of a work-related incident. Analysis of  the OSHA accident data currently collected yields little information.

Federal OSHA and state plan OSHA programs such as your California program (Cal/OSHA) can only require safety mechanisms that have been mandated through a rule making process. The procedures for adopting a new federal OSHA rule are lengthy. The rule making processes for state OSHA plans vary but usually state OSHA plans can adopt new rules in a relatively shorter time.

The chances of legislation requiring a specific mechanism are slim, however, as OSHA regulations are for the most part performance based. OSHA identifies the hazard to be corrected and leaves the method of correction up to the employer.

OSHA 1910.178(o)(1):  Only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered.

Safe forklift operation requires proper attitude, knowledge, skill, supervision, and management support. Mechanisms can be invented to assist the operator but they are no substitute for good training, proper supervision, and real management support.

Posted 28 Dec 2006 10:51 PM

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