6 Health Risks for Forklift Operators and How to Prevent Them - Industry Dynamics

This article is all about the health risks forklift operators face on a daily basis.

Between long shifts, sitting for hours at a time in a cramped cab, and twisting and craning your neck to see behind you, you’ve no doubt experienced some side effects from driving a forklift.

That’s why we asked Dr. Chad Hoffman from Lifestyle Chiropractic, in Green Bay, Wisconsin for his expert advice on what you can do to minimize the health impacts of driving a forklift.

Let’s dig in.

Table of Contents

6 Health Risks for Forklift Operators: Neck & Back, Shoulder, Knee, Whiplash, Musculoskeletal, Fatigue

1. NECK AND BACK PAIN

Neck and back pain is often directly related to your work environment.

It can also result from any poor habits you may have picked up along the way.

Operating a forklift can cause or aggravate neck and back pain

A few causes of your pain could be whole body vibration, sitting for long periods, and poor posture.

WHOLE BODY VIBRATION

Whole-body vibration is the vibration, shaking or jolting of the body transmitted through a supporting surface.

In this case, vibration is transmitted from your forklift seat, floor or back rest.

And it can make you predisposed to back pain or aggravate existing back problems.

Limiting and counteracting vibration while driving can help ease neck and back pain

To avoid whole-body vibration injuries:

Lower your speed
Use an air suspension seat, as they decrease the vibration transferred to your body
Minimize your travel over uneven surfaces

SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS

Sitting for long periods may be unavoidable as a forklift operator.

Plus, twisting often in your seat can cause strain to your muscles.

Dr. Hoffman’s Advice

Even in cramped quarters where you have to maintain generally the same position for extended periods of time, do your best to regularly stretch your neck and surrounding muscles.

Begin by gently tilting your head to one side and then the other, breathing deeply (don't hold your breath!). Next, tilt your head forward and back very slowly to relieve any muscular discomfort.

While sitting for extended periods may be unavoidable at work, do your best to break that pattern outside of work.

Do simple body weight exercises such as squats, push-ups, sit-ups and walking/running to enliven your muscles and release any tension.

It's crucial to move your body when you can - it not only helps you feel better (not as stiff), but will help boost circulation, lower blood pressure and improve your muscle strength, allowing your body to better adjust to any neck, back or joint pain you are experiencing.

To alleviate issues caused by sitting for long periods of time:

Take breaks to stretch. Simple stretches that can be done on the job will do
Readjust your seat when you return to your forklift. Your feet should rest comfortably and you should be able to easily reach the steering wheel, pedals and hydraulic controls
Use your seat's backrest to take pressure of your back

POOR POSTURE

Poor posture can sneak up on you when you’ve been sitting in the same position for hours.

Dr. Hoffman’s Advice

Studies show that posture also affects mindset. If you have poor posture regularly, chances are you aren't in the greatest of moods.

Sure, work sometimes might get difficult, but do your best to sit up straight and your mind, not to mention your body, will thank you.

To combat poor posture:

Avoid slumping forward to reach the controls
Remove your wallet from your back pocket. Your back will adjust for the uneven seating surface, causing you to strain

2. SHOULDER PAIN

Your muscles can get stiff and sore thanks to the amount of time you spend on a forklift.

Steering, operating the hydraulic controls, and repetitive motion can cause strain in your shoulders.

Repeated arm motions, like steering and operating hydraulic controls, can cause shoulder problems

Keep these tips in mind to avoid muscle fatigue and shoulder pain:

Keep your elbows in while driving
When operating your controls try to keep your hand out in a handshake position rather than palm down
Stretch regularly
Ask about getting a seat with an armrest – it can help protect your shoulders

3. KNEE PAIN

Forklift operators that drive stand-up forklifts can often experience knee pain.

Simply standing for a long time puts pressure on your lower body.

When you’re also bracing yourself against the movement of the forklift, the pressure and strain increases.

For operators of sit-down forklifts – anytime you twist around, you can also be stressing your knees.

Stand-up forklift operators are especially susceptible to knee pain

Take care of your knees and avoid pain by:

Using a knee brace
Sitting down (if you’ve been standing) or walk for a few minutes every hour