The Forklift Bulldozing Violation

In the realm of workplace safety, some practices seem both perplexing and perilous. Among these is the curious phenomenon known as forklift bulldozing. In this blog post, we dive into the world of forklift bulldozing, discuss its dangers, and ponder why it happens in the first place.

The Perplexing Pallet Predicament

At Heskins, we frequently field inquiries about the resilience of our PermaStripe floor marking tape, especially in scenarios where heavy pallets are scraped across it with considerable force. While we are always ready to provide information and reassurance about our product’s durability, a lingering question often arises: Why are pallets being scraped across the floor in the first place?

Unveiling the Enigma: Forklift Bulldozing

The answer to this question lies in the practice of forklift bulldozing, a seemingly common but highly unsafe and potentially illegal method of moving heavy loads across a surface. Forklift bulldozing, as the name implies, involves using a forklift to push or drag a load, often a pallet, with brute force rather than lifting it properly. This practice typically results in the load being scraped along the floor causing a trail of potential hazards in its wake.

The Dangers of Forklift Bulldozing

Forklift bulldozing is not merely an unorthodox method; it poses significant risks and dangers in the workplace:

1. Compromised Forklift Capacity

Pushing or dragging heavy loads with a forklift can exceed the machine’s intended capacity, straining its mechanical components and potentially causing damage or failure.

1. Risk of Load Tipping

Bulldozing loads increases the likelihood of load instability, potentially leading to tipping accidents that can result in injuries, damage to products, or worse.

1. Reduced Driver Control

When a forklift is used to bulldoze loads, the driver has less control over the load’s movement, especially during turns and sudden stops, increasing the risk of accidents.

The Regulatory Perspective

From a regulatory standpoint, forklift bulldozing is not taken lightly. In fact, three OSHA regulations explicitly cite the bulldozing of pallets as a violation:

• 178(o)(1): “Only stable or safely arranged loads shall be handled. Caution shall be exercised when handling off-center loads which cannot be centered.”
• 178(o)(2): “Only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled.”
• 1910(o)(5): “A load engaging means shall be placed under the load as far as possible; the mast shall be carefully tilted backward to stabilize the load.”

While it may not be directly specified as a risk under the OSHA General Duty Clause, bulldozing can be cited for the inherent risks it poses.

A Safer Path Forward

Considering the potential hazards and regulatory implications, one might wonder whether forklift bulldozing is truly the best approach for material handling in the workplace. If you have concerns about whether PermaStripe can withstand such practices, we encourage you to speak with our sales team. We can provide you with long lengths of our incredibly durable material for testing in your own facilities. At Heskins, our mission is to provide solutions to the challenges you face while promoting safety in the workplace.

Our office operates from 8 am to 5 pm EST, but our Live Chat function is generally manned by our technical team from early morning to evening EST and often on weekends. Alternatively, please send a message using our contact us form, and we will get back to you promptly.

In conclusion, while we take pride in manufacturing the world’s toughest floor marking tape, we believe in addressing the root causes of workplace hazards. Forklift bulldozing, with its risks and regulatory concerns, may warrant a re-evaluation of material handling practices for the sake of safety and efficiency in your operations.