Training
Module 1

What is the OSHA?

3 quick points on why the OHSA is important to you

• Globally, nearly 3 million serious workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2012.
• On average, nearly 12 workers die every day.
• Nearly 5000 workers were killed in 2013 alone.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect you, the employee from any hazards in workplace that will cause accident, injury, illness or death. The best way to protect all personal and employees is to be able to control and handle any hazard at its core. As much as common sense does apply, it is essential to learn the best and common practice of safety checks and being vigilant. Understand that it is your employers responsibility to provide you with personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as to ensure that this PPE is in perfect working order. PPE equipment must worn at all times to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards.

Examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Some common examples of PPE are:

Gloves, foot protection and eye protection, protective hearing protection (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, safety harnesses, reflective gear, respirators, Metatarsal foot protection, Rubber boots with steel toes, non-prescription eye protection, prescription eyewear inserts/lenses, full face respirators goggles, face shields and full body suits. The standard makes clear that employers cannot require workers to provide their own PPE, and if the worker does provide this, the employer needs to ensure that the equipment is adequate and safe in order to protect the worker from any hazards at the workplace.

Ensure that the following check list has been completed before operating a forklift. (Memorizing this check list is highly suggested.)

• Tyres for damage.
• Wheels for cracks.
• Wheel nuts for security.
• Broken fork arms.
• Carriage & fork arms for any cracks or damage.
• Licence label.
• Registration plate.
• Mirrors.
• Load stability & security.
• Visibility past load.

It is highly recommended to have another person or persons to monitor and look out for pedestrians and traffic.Use the following check list for best safety practice when loading and unloading on the road:

• Clear markers such as reflective gear or flashing lights.
• Traffic management strategies for minimising road user and pedestrian interference.
• Maintain a safe look out.
• Utilize mirrors for safe vision and full visibility.
• Use visible indicators when turning.
• Utilize hooter to warn traffic or other vehicles.
• Title mast back sufficiently to stabilise the load.
• Manoeuver the forklift so that the fork and rear end swing minimises the risk of injury to property or pedestrians.

• Chose the direction of travel ensuring vision is unimpeded at all times.
• Ensure safe traffic management practices when travelling.
• Reduce speed when travelling over uneven road surfaces.
• Position forks 150 mm above the ground.
• Maintain load stability at all times.
• Approach corners and turns with caution.
• Reduce speed when nearing off load area.

• Forks on the ground in a safe position.
• Select the neutral gear.
• Apply the park brake.
• Turn off the master switch.
• Shut the main gas valve as appropriate.
• Remove keys.
• Double check the secure position of the forklift.