Forklift Safety for Trade Show Exhibitors
Understanding forklift safety in an exhibition hall can save lives
The trade show floor is an energetic, exciting, and fun place. But it can also be dangerous. If you’ve been on the show floor during installation or dismantling, you are familiar with the dizzying movement of forklifts around you. This forklift safety tip is a reminder, even if you’ve been on the show floor a thousand times, and it’s for your new staff who may not be familiar with the speed and sound of the forklifts that carry freight from the dock to the booth space.
Please share this safety information with your new staff so that no one gets hurt.
The average forklift weighs close to 9000 lbs. We tell our workers, “If you get hit by a forklift, it won’t hurt…because you’ll be dead.” It sounds rather gruesome, but we get the point across.
According to OSHA:
- Workers on foot struck by forklifts account for 20% of all forklift-related fatalities.
- Victims crushed by forklifts account for 16% of all fatalities.
- Falls from forklifts account for 9% of all forklift fatalities.
Here’s what your new staff need to know about forklifts at the show.
- Forklift drivers will keep to the right when possible.
- Pedestrians have the right of way but exercise caution, nonetheless.
- Show floors are busy and noisy. A forklift driver may not see or hear you.
- You can expect forklift drivers to slow down and use the horn around corners and intersections. (They are not using their horn to flirt with you!)
- Forklift drivers at show sites are trained, experienced, and certified but also human. Mistakes happen. Make no assumptions about your safety when forklifts are moving around you.
- Unsecured loads may fall, crushing pedestrians or drivers. If you see a load that is not balanced and fully secure, please stay clear (and notify Show Management immediately!).
- Do not try to outrun or outsmart a forklift. A forklift traveling at 10 mph needs about 22 feet to come to a full stop on a dry surface, more on a wet surface.
- Never hitch a ride on a forklift.
- Do not walk or stand under raised forks.
If a forklift damages your crate or exhibit, take photos, note the date and time, get the names and numbers of any witnesses, and report the damage promptly to the Show Contractor. Ask the Show Contractor to observe the damage immediately and be sure to get a written damage report. Following up after the show is essential.
Exhibit Network has been working around show site forklifts for over 30 years. Thanks to the caution and care of both our team and the forklift drivers, no one has ever gotten injured. Forklifts damaged some of our clients’ crates, and we followed the reporting and follow-up procedures. If you are looking for an experienced trade show exhibit house with a top-notch safety record, please consider Exhibit Network.