When it comes to beverage operations, worker safety is one of the most important factors for companies to consider. From Oct. 1, 2013, to July 29, 2014, 30 workers were killed in forklift-related accidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) “FY14 Fatalities and Catastrophes To Date” report. Causes of death included falling from a forklift, a forklift turnover or crash, being struck by a forklift, and being hit by products falling from a forklift, among other causes, according to data from the Washington, D.C.-based branch of the U.S. Department of Labor. Beyond that, OSHA estimates that forklifts cause approximately 85 fatal accidents and 34,900 accidents that result in serious injury each year. Statistics like these have pushed the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), also based in Washington, D.C., to establish a National Forklift Safety Day to raise awareness for forklift safety.
The association hosted the first National Forklift Safety Day on June 10 during National Safety Month. This year’s event brought together ITA members and members of Congress to discuss forklift safety. In particular, this year’s event focused on highlighting the need for operator training.