Here are some of the most common injuries associated with operating a forklift:
- Neck and back pain because of vibration, long periods of sitting, poor posture and awkward positions for better visibility
- Whiplash injuries which leads to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, having trouble concentrating
- Muscular injuries from continuous movements
Some of these issues begin as an annoying pain, but can turn into chronic pain, less productive movements and can even keep you from working.
Forklift operators should do some of the following to prevent some of these issues…
– Before and after each shift and during breaks, stretch their hands, shoulders and neck
– Don’t drive with bulky things in your pocket
– Make the pedals easily reachable by adjusting the seat
– Have the backrest slightly reclined backwards
– Slow Down!
Facility managers can prevent injuries by:
– Fixing potholes and broken floors
– Installing CCTV cameras and mirrors for greater visibility in the facility
Ergonomic forklift accessories can help to reduce stress on the body:
– Look for an ergonomic operator seat that can be adjusted to the driver’s preferance
– Replace the seat every three years, or use a cushion that does not vibrate
– Install a grab handle-mounted horn button, so drivers don’t have to push a button on the steering wheel while traveling in reverse.
– Invest in telemetry devices that offer more camera views and pre-shift checklists
When buying a new forklift, make sure to look for ergonomic features:
– Vibration-dampening steering column
– Mast designed for the greatest visibility
– Angled cross braces so you don’t have to strain your neck
– Low step height for easy entry and exit
– A small steering wheel combined with a large operator cabin
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us on any of our platforms!
