Forklift violations are common on OSHA’s annual list of most frequently cited standards. OSHA outlines forklift safety and operation regulations that employers must follow to ensure a safe workplace for employees and customers alike. Each year, more and more forklift violations are cited, which means more work must be done to provide employers the necessary tools to stay abreast of training and regulation standards when it comes to the use of a forklift in their daily operations,

More importantly, we want to ensure the safety of our employees and ourselves when operating a forklift which is why we must know what mistakes are commonly made. Let’s look at the most common forklift violations recently cited by OSHA.

Forklift Inspection Violations

Failure to perform the required inspections on the forklifts used in your workplace can result in OSHA violations. The most common forklift inspection violation is the failure to perform pre-operation checks. If the forklift is found to need repair or defective, and the pre-operation inspection wasn’t completed, the business could be cited. Any forklifts damaged, or imperfect must be removed from operation until repaired or replaced.

Failure To Take Precautions When Operating Forklifts On-Ramps

Per the forklift manufacturer’s recommendation, improper marking or failure to mark travel paths and ramp use is a common OSHA violation. Operators sometimes ignore the considerations of the forklift manufacturer’s recommendations, but they should understand and abide by OSHA’s requirements and recommended practices.

To avoid this citation, use high-quality steel dock ramps, curb guards, and a graduate grade to prevent forklift accidents. Also, implement a secondary safety system such as nets for employees working machinery six feet or more above the floor.

Failure To Have Appropriate Fire Protection Equipment

Businesses must provide fire protection sets and safety equipment for electric and gas-powered forklifts. Forklift operators must have readily accessible fire extinguishers and emergency equipment visible and labeled. Also, anyone operating a forklift must be adequately trained in the proper use of fire and safety equipment and emergency response procedures.

Properly Train Forklift Operators

Initial and refresher training should be provided to all employees assigned to operate a forklift in the workplace. Workplace conditions change, and employees must be updated in operational procedures regularly. Keep extensive documentation on hand reflecting how performance needs are met, certification procedures, and training sessions attended by employees.