Fork Lift

Fork Truck - Information

Introduction

Lift trucks are widely used throughout industry for moving materials and goods, but they also feature prominently in worksite accidents. Every year there are about 8000 lift truck accidents resulting in injury, on average ten of them are fatal. These injuries cause suffering for the people involved and their dependants, and often incur heavy costs for the employer's business. Even an incident not causing injury may result in costly damage to lift trucks, buildings, fittings and the goods being handles, and may distrupt work.

Management of lift truck operations

There are a few simple measures, which can be taken to prevent lift truck accidents. Examples of these are:
A) Managing lift truck operations using safe system of work;
B) Provision of adequate training for operations, supervisors and managers;
C) Using suitable equipment for the job to be done;
D) Laying out premises in such a way to ensure that lift trucks can move safely; and
E) Ensuring that lift trucks and premises are maintained properly.

Who should read this guidance?

This guidance is relevant for everyone with responsibility for the safe operation of lift trucks, for example employers, controllers of worksites, managers, supervisors or operators. Others involved with lift trucks, such as trade union health and safety representatives, may also find it useful. However, this guidance does not replace formal training.

The Law

Employers have a duty under health and safety law to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. The main legislation applying to the use of lift trucks is:
A) The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act);
B) The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
C) The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998;
D) The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998;
E) The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992;
F) The Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996.