National Forklift Safety Day 2023 Infographic

National Forklift Safety Day 2023 (June 13th, 2023) is a day dedicated to enhancing forklift safety across different industries and facilities. Today, marks the 10th anniversary of National Forklift Safety Day, which was created by the Industrial Truck Association. Today is all about increasing forklift safety in workplaces around America. 

The Importance of Forklift Safety:

• 96,000 workers are injured per year due to forklifts.

• 11% of forklifts will be involved in an accident.

• 70% of all forklift accidents could be avoided with proper training and policy.

Forklift safety should be a high priority in every facility. Whether you are driving an electric lift truck or operating on a motive power battery, proper safety measures must take place. Adhere by the following tips below in Alpine's National Forklift Safety Day 2023 Infographic for optimum safety.

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Forklift Driving Tips:

• Make sure your load is balanced.

• Take it easy on the corners.

• Drive nice and slow.

• Keep your load as slow as possible.

• Drive only in approved areas.

Proper Attire For Working On A Forklift Battery:

Wearing the appropriate gear is the best method of protecting yourself while handling batteries. Electric Forklift Batteries can pose health and safety hazards because of the gas emitted, corrosive chemicals, and the weight of the batteries. Due to these hazards, it is imperative that employees handling these batteries are equipped with the correct safety equipment in order to lessen any risks of danger. Employees engaging in the cleaning, changing, charging or repairing of forklift batteries should always wear protective clothing. When handling or working on a battery, it is best to wear a face shield, plastic, or rubber gloves and an apron for optimum protection to eyes, skin and clothing.

1. PPE Approved Goggles or Face Shield

   • Splashes to the eyes can be avoided by wearing proper eye/face protection, however, if electrolyte is splashed into the eyes, wash the eyes with water for 15 minutes and get immediate medical attention.

   • Employees working around battery acid should NOT wear contact lenses. In the event of an acid splash to the eyes, the acid could be held against the eye by the lenses. This will make it harder to flush the acid away – causing more serious damage to the eye.

2. Cover your hands with acid resistant gloves

   • In particular, verify the gloves’ resistance to sulfuric acid; contact your supplier for information.

   • Workers should wear chemical-resistant gloves; rubber and neoprene gloves are normally sufficient for battery acid.

3. All clothing should be acid resistant

   • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around batteries or open flames. If a long sleeve or other clothing item catches fire, the flames can spread instantly. Additionally, avoid wearing materials such as rayon, nylon, silk, or lace. These materials provide little to no protection against open flames or acid spills.

4. Apron

   • In particular, verify the Apron’s resistance to sulfuric acid; contact your supplier for information.

5. Footwear

   • Wear acid-resistant safety shoes or boots. Make sure your footwear is sturdy. Steel toe boots can protect your feet from crush hazards.

6. Jewelry

   • Do not wear conductive metal jewelry when working around batteries. A battery is electrically live at all times. Metal objects can conduct electricity, resulting in a shock.