February 2023: Focus on Forklift Safety

Forklifts are a common sight at many waterfront facilities. There is no doubt that forklifts are critical to operations; they can also be a source of injuries. 11% of all forklifts are involved in an incident each year, about half of which are either serious or fatal.

Forklift incidents can be avoided with proper training and adherence to basic safety rules. Forklift operators can learn to recognize and avoid hazards, as well as understand the proper operational practices for working in maritime environments.

Assess your forklift safety program with this simple checklist

How strong is your forklift safety program? Here are 11 questions that will help pinpoint areas that may need some attention. Download the checklist here.

Prevent backup alarms from becoming background noise

How often do your workers hear the rumble of a forklift approaching or the high pitch of its backup alarm? The more common these sounds become, the less likely they are perceived to be hazardous. Read the full article.

Is your pedestrian safety plan up to date?

Forklifts are just one type of vehicle that perform work near pedestrians. From signing to lighting to PPE, it's essential to have safety measures in place for both pedestrians and operators. Read the full article.

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Safety Bulletins

• Critical Forklift Safety Aspects
• Forklift Safety
• Pedestrians & Work Vehicle Safety

Toolbox Talks

• Safe Forklift Operation

The content below requires access to AEU's member-exclusive online portals. Click here to register.

• Common Hazards When Operating Forklifts (16 min)
• Forklift Case Histories (Preparing to Load and Unload) (15 min)
• Forklift Design and Controls (3 min)
• Forklift Fundamentals: Get The Facts (21 min)
• Forklift Handling: Safety In Dangerous Situations (17 min)
• Forklift Operation (20 min)
• Forklift Stability (4 min)
• Inspecting Your Forklift (3 min)
• Warehouse Safety: Forklifts, Pedestrians, and Loading Docks (4 min)
• Working Around Forklifts (16 min)

• Checklist: Working the Strike Zone (PDF)
• OSHA Quick Card: Safe Forklift Operation (PDF)
• OSHA Quick Card: Safely Operating and Working Around Cargo Handling Equipment in Marine Terminals (PDF)
• Poster: Struck-By Caution (PDF)
• Poster: Struck-by Objects Handled By Others Hazard (PDF)
• Template: Drop Zone Plan (DOCX)
• Template: Establishing a Strike Zone (PDF)

In our Supervisor Skills: Secrets of Success podcast, we explore the soft skills that matter most for front-line managers. Supervisors have a direct impact on the safety performance of your team. Here are a few episodes that may help prevent incidents.

• A Supervisor’s Guide to Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities (10 min)
• How to Make JSAs Part of Your Pre-shift Planning (8 min)
• Walking the Talk: Leading Safety by Example (9 min)
• Why Proper Analysis Helps Prevent Dangerous Workplace Incidents (8 min)

AEU National Forum

April 3-5, 2023  |  Chicago, Illinois

Join AEU and industry experts to address field-tested methods, emerging trends, and solutions to issues surrounding leadership, claims, safety, personnel, and operations.