Following Up
From Bo's Desk: As Seen on TV
Don't Try This At Work
Several weeks ago I brought to life a very real, yet dangerous, situation seen on TV of slings being used on a forklift. In response I asked for your feedback and for you to participate in an informal poll on forklift attachments.
The good news is that of those who participated in the survey, the majority knew about and had used forklift attachments for lifting. Only one individual did not know of these attachments. Several commented that the attachment of rigging to forks without an attachment has been termed as "free rigging" and it is illegal per the manufacturer's instructions. Other comments also included:
"Lifts should not be used outside of their intended purpose nor outside the manner in which it was designed. Common sense is not always common place."
"It is also my experience and our company's requirement that the attachment is forklift specific, you must provide the manufacturer with model & serial number of the specific machine and the same for the attachment as well including manufacturer so the forklift manufacturer can supply you with a load rating for your forklift."
"As a company we stress the safe use of straps and forklifts and proper rigging attachments but it is hard to get people to break old habits."
In addition, I had the Loss Control Department from Eustis Insurance and Benefits shared the photo below, agreeing that "this is what happens when lifting with a fork." I was actually surprised to see that the heel didn't fail by sheering off.
As we can all see, as an industry we need to remain diligent with the message of safely lifting with forklifts. Remember, next time you must lift a load from under the forks, make sure to use the proper attachment specific to the manufacturer and machine. Together we can make a difference and make sure that lifts are executed properly and with common sense.
Have a Safe Day!
- Bo Collier, President
