Frequent Rough Terrain Forklift Accidents

Frequent Rough Terrain Forklift Accidents

Rough Terrain Forklifts (RTF) are designed to handle heavy loads on challenging terrain.  Thorough and proper training is required for any RTF operator before they set foot onto this heavy-duty truck.

Most RTF accidents that occur are due to operator error.  The top 3 most frequent RTF accidents are:

  1. Rollover
  2. Tip over
  3. Collisions

And what causes the accidents?

  1. Slopes
  2. Dips, holes, and trenches
  3. Narrow aisles
  4. Ground and overhead obstructions

Anytime a licensed operator is preparing to saddle up onto the rough terrain forklift for that day, it’s a great idea to take the time to take a few pre-operation precautions to bring attention to potential terrain hazards as well as to check the truck itself for anything that may pose a hazards during operation.

Here are some quick steps managers can share with operators before they turn on the ignition:

  1. Improve visibility: this can include cleaning vehicle windows and viewpoints as well as addressing safety glasses or, even the need for more thorough measures, operator vision assessments.
  2. Inspect the forklift before driving it.
  3. Analyzing terrain before driving on it. This heavy-duty truck is powerful and meant to be on alternate types of ground, but that doesn’t mean it can handle   Know what you’re about to embark upon and where potential hazards may lie before putting the forklift into motion. 
  4. Know the RTF load weight limit and how this limit may be impacted by the forklift’s terrain location and position – load limit on a slope may differ that flatter ground and have a serious impact on balance of the vehicle.

Source for this post: EHS Daily Advisor

More resources

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