Safety Header Authorized Forklift Driver

Safety is Towlift’s number one objective. Our employee safety program is continually re-enforced and improved upon in order to maintain a safety conscious culture at Towlift. We encourage you to do the same. Operating a lift truck is serious business. This page provides some helpful tips and a link to OSHA’s website.

For more information, contact Towlift’s Training Center.

Major causes of lift truck accidents:

  • 25% tip overs
  • 18% struck by lift truck
  • 14% struck by falling loads
  • 12% elevated employees
  • 7% ran off loading dock
  • 6% improper maintenance
Safety
Always buckle up.

10 Forklift Operator Safety Tips:

  1. Do not operate a forklift unless you have been trained to do so.
  2. Use seatbelts if they are available.
  3. In case of a tip over while operating a sit-down type truck, do not jump. Stay with the truck, holding on firmly and leaning in the opposite direction of the overturn.
  4. While traveling with a load, tilt the load back and raise it only as far as needed to clear the road surface.
  5. Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift.
  6. Operate the forklift at a speed that will permit it to be stopped safely.
  7. Slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed.
  8. Do not allow passengers to ride on forklift trucks.
  9. Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.
  10. Do not use a forklift to elevate workers.

10 Safety Tips for Employers:

  1. Make sure that workers do not operate a forklift unless they have been trained and authorized to do so.
  2. Implement and enforce a comprehensive written safety program that includes training and certification.
  3. Ensure that operator restraint systems are being used on sit-down trucks.
  4. Establish a vehicle inspection and maintenance program.
  5. Separate forklift traffic and other workers where possible. For example, limit some aisles to workers on foot only, or forklifts only.
  6. Restrict the use of forklifts near time clocks, break rooms, cafeterias, and main exits, particularly when the flow of workers on foot is at a peak (such as at the end of a shift or during breaks).
  7. Install physical barriers where practical to ensure that workstations are isolated from aisles traveled by forklifts.
  8. Evaluate intersections and other blind corner.
  9. Enforce safe driving practices such as obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs, and slowing down and blowing the horn at intersections.
  10. Repair and maintain cracks, crumbling edges, and other defects on loading docks, aisles, and other operating surfaces.

Safety Policy Statement

TOWLIFT, INC. has made a commitment of safety to each of its employees and a commitment of service and quality to our customers. It is our desire to provide a safe working environment for all employees. To that end, we have instituted an overall safety program that is utilized in daily activities and is marked by making safety the number one objective. It is our intent and goal to provide employees with a safe working environment and well-maintained vehicles. Everyone is expected to abide by the safety program, exercise good judgment and common sense, and make safety a priority each and every day.

It is the policy of TOWLIFT, INC. to achieve the greatest practical degree of freedom from accidents and to ensure that every employee is provided safe and healthful working conditions free from recognized hazards. To accomplish this, management will provide all reasonable safeguards to ensure safe working conditions and support the safe and efficient development of all work activities. Safety is a part of management’s responsibility and will receive a high priority among management functions. Each element of our safety program is designed to promote safety as our number one priority and management will be held accountable for its implementation.

The foundation of this program is the firm and fully accepted concept that our employees make up our company and are our most important corporate asset. This company shall abide by all local, state, and federal laws governing our operation. Regulatory guidelines will be adhered to wherever applicable and practical. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Employees are expected to use the safety equipment provided. Rules of conduct and the safety guidelines outlined in our safety program shall be observed by all employees. Safety equipment shall not be destroyed or abused.

The joint cooperation of employees and management in observance of this policy will provide safe working conditions and accident-free performance and will be to the mutual advantage of all.

David H. Cannon
President

Qualification Statement

TOWLIFT, INC. began as a Caterpillar lift truck dealer in 1965 and has grown into an organization that is able to handle all material handling needs. We cover Northern Ohio from Pennsylvania to the Indiana line, Southeastern Michigan, and the Greater Columbus area. With eight locations to serve customers, we provide quality service that is unsurpassed in the region. This is evident by the ongoing recognition since 1987 as CATERPILLAR DEALER OF THE YEAR, a coveted award for excellence in the lift truck business. Our mission is to provide material handling solutions through full service capabilities that will consistently exceed customers' needs.

SUMMARY OF SAFETY PROGRAM: Part of our safety program includes an orientation/training period which all new employees must complete. During this orientation employees receive instruction in our “Hazard Communication Program” (this includes specific instruction on MSDS and Right to Know), Emergency Action Plan, Fire Extinguisher Use, Accident Procedures, and Daily Safety Routines. The TOWLIFT, INC. EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK is also presented to the employee at this time. Pertinent components of our safety and health program, such as general safety and work rules and our “Vehicle Management and Safety Program”, are included in this handbook and are discussed and explained to the employee.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that new employees are fully aware of safety, health, and housekeeping rules to which their jobs are subject. Dependent on job classifications, Job Hazard Training may be provided to employees and covers the hazards related to specific jobs, precautions to be taken, and safe work practices. This includes training in personal protective equipment. Task-specific, on-the-job training details procedures for performing specific job tasks safely. Topics such as Lockout Tagout, Hot Work, and/or equipment familiarization are covered in this manner.

Additionally, 40 hours of technical training is offered to our mechanics each year. TOWLIFT, INC. is a Regional Training Center for Caterpillar Lift Trucks and a Factory Training Site for Crown Narrow-Aisle Lift Trucks. Safe work procedures are an important part of all of these classes. Each technician is also required to successfully complete our Lift Truck Operators Safety Course and is thereby qualified to operate lift trucks in compliance with the revised OSHA Powered Industrial Truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178).

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Towlift can help your company meet its safety goals.

Contact us for:

  • Operator Training
  • Train the trainer classes (to learn how to do your own training)
  • Safety equipment – guard rails, mirrors, lights, alarms, etc.
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Lift truck maintenance programs
  • Tire and fork inspections

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