Prepare the 'Path' to Prevent Overturning and Falling / Article 151-6 [Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, Article 151 Series]
The article in this issue
Article 151-6 (Prevention of Falling, etc.)
When performing work using vehicle-type cargo handling machinery, etc., the employer must take necessary measures to prevent danger to workers due to overturning or falling, such as maintaining the required width of the travel route, preventing uneven settlement of the ground, and preventing the collapse of road shoulders.
2. When performing work on road shoulders, slopes, etc., where there is a risk of danger to workers due to overturning or falling, a guide must be assigned to provide guidance.
3. The operator must follow the guidance provided by the guide.
In simple terms?
"Properly prepare the paths for forklifts to travel on so they do not overturn or fall. Assign a guide in dangerous areas. And the operator must follow the guide's instructions."
That is what it means.
Let's take a closer look.
🛣️ What does it specifically mean to 'maintain roads'?
Here is a plain-language explanation of the terms used in the article.
Maintain necessary width → Ensure enough road width for the forks to pass
Prevent uneven ground settlement → Ensure the ground does not sink in certain areas
Prevent shoulder collapse → Ensure the edge of the road does not crumble
Furthermore, the notification explicitly states that these 'etc.' include the installation of guardrails.
👷 When is a guide required?
A guide must be stationed in areas such as road shoulders or slopes where there is a risk of falling or tumbling.
However, the notification also includes the following statement:
'If guardrails or similar measures are appropriately installed to prevent the risk of falling, tumbling, etc., the stationing of a guide is not required.'
In other words, if proper measures such as guardrails are in place, a guide is not necessary is what this means.
🚦 Drivers are obligated to follow the guide
When a guide is present, the driver has an obligation to follow that guidance.
Saying "I know better" will not be accepted.
In situations where a guide is present, the driver must prioritize the guide's instructions above all else.
Thinking about it on-site
Outdoor cargo handling areas or the edges of truck bays.
Places you think are "fine because I always drive through them" might have softened ground after rain, or the road shoulder might be gradually collapsing due to years of vibration.
The moment "business as usual" no longer applies is the moment an accident occurs.
This article requires the management of the "path itself" where the forklift travels.
It means that in addition to inspecting the machinery, inspecting the area where it travels is also necessary.
Summary
What to do? → Ensure road width, manage ground conditions, and prevent shoulder collapse
What is included in 'etc.'? → Installation of guardrails, etc.
When is a guide required? → Locations where there is a risk of falling or tumbling, such as road shoulders or slopes
When is a guide unnecessary? → When sufficient measures such as guardrails are in place
What is the driver's duty? → Follow the guide's instructions
[Reference/Source] - Industrial Safety and Health Regulations Article 151-6 - Kihatsu No. 78 dated February 10, 1978
Next time is Article 151-7 'Prevention of Contact'.
We will look at measures to prevent contact between forklifts and people.
Safety first again today! See you next time.