Forklifts are used in environments which can be challenging for the operator, both physically and mentally. Even if you’re not using a forklift, you’re exposed to many of the same environmental and work conditions. Employers (PCBUs) must take measures to reduce the impact of these.
Industrial noise
WorkSafe’s recommendation for the maximum average noise exposure in an 8-hour day is 85 dBA with a peak sound pressure level of 140 dB. If an operator wears hearing protection, it reduces the perceived volume by around 20-30 dB (depending on the hearing protection). The hearing protection should have a label or sticker either on it or on the packaging that states the class (e.g. class 5) and what sound dBA level it’s suitable for. For example, suitable for 110 dBA Leq (8 hours), meaning the hearing protection is good for around 25 dB noise reduction as it takes 110 dBA down to 85 dBA.
Reversing alarms can be as loud as 97 dB because they need to cut through the noise of a warehouse or factory. This is more than twice as loud as 85 dB (10 dB = doubling the perceived volume), plus they tend to be at a frequency where they are perceived even louder (around 1 kHz). If there are multiple forklifts working together, each forklift can add 2-3 dB to the overall volume level (twice the sound power = +3 dB).
Ensure workers use hearing protection, if required.
Temperature and environment
Depending on the type of forklift, where the forklift is being driven, and what the business does, there could be multiple different types of atmospheric pollutants and airborne particles, such as fumes from the fuel source, pollen, dust from driving or business operations, etc. The weather could be snowing, windy, raining, hailing or sleet, with extremes of hot and cold. Sunburn and dehydration can be an issue.
Use a closed-cab forklift with pollen filter outside where possible, and ensure operators use the correct PPE and stay hydrated.
Fatigue
Shift work affects people in different ways. Studies show that shift workers struggle with tiredness due to sleep disturbance. Fatigue management training can help you identify whether employees are suffering from fatigue and to develop strategies that help mitigate the effects of fatigue.
Schedule rest breaks and make sure your team adhere to them.
Dangerous goods and hazardous substances
If a team member is moving hazardous goods, including loading and unloading, then they need to have, at minimum, a dangerous goods handler qualification. If you have a spill kit, then spill kit training should be included and refreshed every 2 years. If you use LPG forklifts, operators must have training how to change a forklift LPG cylinder.
Team members must be trained if they are exposed to dangerous goods; this is part of the requirement of Regulation 4.5.
Visibility and eyesight
Eyesight adjustment can reduce visibility when a team member moves from inside to outside and vice versa. The person’s pupils need to adjust to let the right amount of light in, and this can take several minutes; the older the person is, the longer it takes.
Use sunglasses when outside. Ensure lighting is adequate at door thresholds. Implement systems to warn other people that a forklift is entering or exiting a building.
Stress
Time pressures due to scheduling can increase the risk of accidents due to stress factors. Team members may need additional training or practice if they are underperforming compared to their peers.
Schedules should be realistic. Take time to understand a person’s personal challenges.
Musculoskeletal and physical impacts
Driving a forklift outside often means a bumpy ride on a machine with little or no suspension. Poor posture can cause back and hip pain. Neck strain can happen if operators are looking up all the time at high racking. Manual handling of boxes can cause back strain. Team members not using forklifts are walking around, carrying items, etc. It’s all physically taxing.
Ensure team members have had manual handling training so that they are practising safe manual handling techniques. They should take breaks where they can stretch. Check that the seat on the forklift is in good condition.
Drugs and alcohol
Some people may have dependencies on legal or illegal drugs. Some prescription medications can affect a person’s reactions and shouldn’t be used when driving.
Have clear policies and education processes around drug and alcohol use. Use random testing if you are concerned.
Diet and hydration
Dehydrated operators have a higher risk of accidents. Poor nutrition causes fatigue. Check out this diet and nutrition course for machine operators.
Ensure that water is readily available in the workplace. Encourage healthy eating.
Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above
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