In the UK, four accidents
involving forklift trucks occur
every day. A lack of clear
communication, training and regular
maintenance are key factors.

Scafftag, specialist in the
management and communication of
equipment status, outlines four key
steps to follow to help reduce forklift
truck accidents:
Step 1 – Risk assessment:
managers must complete a risk
assessment of forklift truck
operations to adequately control the
risk and to ensure that safe systems
of work and records are maintained,
documenting and assessing all the
hazards that each worker could
potentially come into contact with.

Step 2 – Identify when safe to use
and when not to be used: daily
checks should be carried out before
use to record whether the forklift
truck is safe or unsafe to use.

Step 3 – Training: managers must
ensure they provide information,
instruction, training, retraining and
supervision to employees as
necessary.

Step 4 – Maintenance: as well as
daily checks, regular maintenance of
forklift trucks should be carried out
in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.