Forklift Safety Tip #6 - Operators Must Look Over Shoulder Before Reversing
By far the most common bad habit that all forklift drivers develop is reversing without looking at what, or who is behind them. It sounds strange because you would never reverse your car without checking behind you, but for some reason forklift drivers don't look behind.
When first obtaining their license, operators are made to check behind over both shoulders before even moving. Once licensed however, this practice is very quickly discarded. When you look at your forklifts you'll notice that the paint on the sides will usually be near perfect, yet the back is just bare metal. This is because drivers don't think to check behind themselves before reversing.
Mirrors Aren't To Be Used For Reversing!
Forklift revision mirrors are only there to see if there are cars, trucks or faster forklifts and equipment trying to overtake them in traffic type situations. They're not to be used for reversing. Operators must turn their head and look.
The correct procedure is to look over both shoulders before moving, then to turn around and look over one shoulder while traveling backwards, glancing around often enough to inspect the load and surroundings.
Please Note: Drivers with a physical inability to look clearly over both shoulders whilst reversing are unsafe to drive a forklift. Operators must be able to turn their head and shoulders far enough to see behind the forklift in order to operate safely. So make sure your drivers are watching where they're going!
If you have any question relating to this or any other matter, please feel free to call on
1300 799 112.