Getting Aboard the Forklift
One of the keys to maintaining operator safety is the 3-point dismount. Even though this is usually ignored, it is a key problem in keeping operator's safe. For instance, several years ago, at a lift truck rally, a participator perfectly executed the course at a lift truck rally. At the end of his run, he was so excited, that he jumped off of his machinery and totally forgot to make a 3-point dismount. The judges ended up docking marks from his overall score and he didn't win the competition.
The very serious problem of mounting and dismounting the lift truck is included in training. Having the operators wear their seatbelts could also help save their lives in event of any tip-overs. It is necessary to understand that if a loaded lift truck's center of gravity moves outside of the stability triangle then a tip-over situation could occur. Trained drivers rarely ever run into a tip-over situation, however, it is extremely important that they are prepared for that possibility in case it occurs.
Dismount/Mount
The importance of correctly dismounting and mounting any type of forklift, including even a low platform pallet jack is essential to ensuring the driver stays safe. Far too many injuries occur when complacency happens around these machines. Some of the serious situations include: Operator's catching their coveralls or loose clothing when dismounting and can end up falling and breaking their back. Sometimes, the driver could sprain or break an ankle when they step off of a forklift. The driver could break an arm accidentally when slipping and falling off of the pallet jack. The driver can suffer from torn shoulder muscles if they slip on floor debris while they are still hanging onto the handhold with one hand.
In order to keep you safe, having 3 points of contact is essential. Obtaining 3 points can be done with 2 hands and 1 foot or by 2 feet and 1 hand. This stance is precisely like climbing down or up a ladder. Remember to always face the machine. Operators often have a tendency to hop or jump off the equipment or to face away from the machine and these mistakes greatly reduce the overall risk being hurt.
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