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In 1970, the United States government passed a law that created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This was in response to statistics showing that tens of thousands of people were being injured every year in work place related accidents. Since 1970, OSHA has reported that work place related deaths have decreased by 60%, and work place related injuries have also decreased by as much as 40%. The forklift and the pallet jack are two often mentioned causes of these accidents.
The one vehicle that is most cited during inspections conducted by OSHA is the forklift. According to statistics, they are the cause of 95000 injuries every year, and 100 deaths, in the workplace. Commonly, these accidents are caused by turnovers.
Turnovers and other accidents are easily avoidable. Pathways throughout the workplace should be marked clearly for workers and for vehicles traffic. Each vehicles load capacity should never be exceeded, as dropped loads are also a major cause of workplace related injuries.
Pallet jacks are another cause of warehouse accident and injuries. Manual pallet jacks and electric pallet jacks can both be very dangerous if operated incorrectly. No warehouse worker should operate either one of these without being properly trained first.
Inspecting them for safety every day is a good way to prevent people from getting injured by pallet jacks. Handles, tires, forks, wheels, and all other moving parts should be visually inspected every day for damage. Pallet jacks should be tested daily as well. Pallet jacks are tested when they are empty. Pump the handle to lift the forks, and then release the handle to lower them. Do this a couple of times to make sure the jack is operating correctly.
Misusing a pallet jack or a forklift can result in a major injury. Make sure they are inspected and tested, and that operators are properly trained how to use them.