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Forklift Safety Equipment to Protect
Personnel and Property

How to Protect People, Property and Equipment Using the Right Forklift Safety Equipment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 9,050 occupational injuries related to forklift operations in 2017. Based on the report issued by the BLS, two of the most common forklift-related accidents involved an individual being struck by a forklift or falling debris caused by forklift impact.

Because of the prevalence of workplace injuries related to forklift operations, it is imperative that facilities implement safety measures that will protect personnel and inventory. While many accidents involving powered industrial vehicles can be attributed to operator error, other incidents may have occurred because of the absence of proper safety equipment.

To help you find the safety equipment that will protect workers and property from forklift damage, here is a look at the regulations that apply to forklift operation and the workplace safety equipment designed to keep your facility safe.

Forklift Operation Regulations

When operating a forklift, it is essential to follow the regulatory requirements issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1), forklift operators must be at least 18 years old and have the proper certification.

In addition to proper training for operators, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.176(a) requires that passageways or aisles for pedestrian use in facilities where mechanical material handling equipment is used be kept clear and protected. For 1910.176 compliance, OSHA recommends installing permanent railways or other protective barriers that will separate pedestrians from powered industrial vehicles.

Forklift Safety Equipment

Column Protectors

Column protectors from Eagle are designed to protect the columns, posts, and beams in warehouses or industrial facilities. Damage to structural support columns resulting from forklift impact could lead to expensive repairs. A column protector adds a protective barrier that wraps around a column and helps to mitigate collision damage.

Column protectors feature a blow-molded, high-density polyethylene construction that is durable and chemically resistant. The key-locked design makes installation easy and will prevent the protectors from slipping out of place. The high-visibility design of these column protectors also helps to alert the operators of powered industrial vehicles to the presence of beams, posts, or columns.

Bollard Posts

bollard post is a short vertical post that offers protection for pedestrians or equipment. Bollards can be placed along the perimeter of forklift operational zones to delineate pedestrian walkways. The high-visibility color of a bollard post makes it easy to identify pedestrian walkways or aisles.

Bollards feature a durable steel construction that will offer collision protection for personnel. Steel bollards are manufactured with pre-drilled holes for a no-hassle installation. The small space between bollards will prevent vehicles from entering unauthorized areas but allows for unhindered pedestrian movement.

Wall, Rack, and Corner Guards

Wall, rack, and corner guards are ideal for protecting facilities from forklift damage. These guards feature an HDPE construction that is resistant to cracking, chipping, or fading. Wall, rack, and corner guards from Eagle are manufactured using energy-absorbing materials that will reduce the damage that results from forklift impact.

Machine Guards

To protect large equipment assets, machine guards can be placed between forklift operation zones and valuable machinery. The protective barriers are OSHA certified and can be used to provide impact protection for pallet racks, pedestrians, or heavy-duty equipment.

The baked-on powder coat finish of these machine guards is corrosion resistant and is easier to spot for powered vehicle operators. Machine guards feature pre-drilled holes for easy installation and are available in low-, medium-, and high-profile options.

Find the Workplace Safety Equipment That’s Right for You

The Eagle Manufacturing Company is the industry leader in workplace safety equipment. For over a hundred years, we have provided material handling solutions to facilities all over the world. For more information, contact a product specialist today and find the right equipment for your facility.

If you are looking for other products to protect your people and equipment, view our Guide to Material Handling Products