Fundamentals of Forklift Safety

Nov 15, 2019

Fundamentals of Forklift Safety.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve been working on a forklift for years or if this is your first week on the job; it’s always helpful to have safety reminders when it comes to using this piece of equipment in the warehouse. 

We consulted with safety experts, industry veterans, and existing safety guidelines to offer basic safety best practices that you may or may not be using. Remember — a forklift is nothing like a car and doesn’t function like a personal vehicle, so don’t drive it like it does!

Training 

Forklifts can weigh up to 9,000 pounds, travel up to 18 mph, and only have brakes in the front, which makes them much harder to stop than a car. Nearly 62,000 forklift accidents are reported every year, with about half of those resulting in serious injury; 70% of those accidents could be prevented. These are just a few stats that highlight the importance of proper and thorough training for forklift operators.

An untrained forklift driver can be just as dangerous as someone who drives a car without a license. Although OSHA requires formal training to be combined with on-the-job experience, this education isn’t comprehensive or universal. Every forklift brand and model is a bit different, and training on one doesn’t mean operators are prepared for every type of forklift.

Inspection

Forklift operators should inspect equipment before each and every use, full stop. There should also be a protocol in place, usually in the form of a checklist that’s followed each time. This gives operators an opportunity to ensure that safety features (like seatbelts) are working properly, the tires are properly inflated, and there are no mechanical issues that could cause an accident.

Failing to perform regular inspections doesn’t just increase the chance of an accident, it can also be costly to pay non-compliance fines. Not inspecting your equipment can also increase maintenance costs; repairs can become extensive or even lead to total replacement when small issues are left to grow into major problems. Let’s not even mention what can happen to warehouse operations and productivity if a piece of machinery is taken off the floor.

Machinery

This may sound like a no-brainer, but there’s little that’s more important to safe forklift operation than knowing the equipment and safety rules for using it. 

  • Keep a clear view
  • Always look in the direction of travel
  • Use spotters or aids such as rear-view mirrors to boost visibility
  • Use headlights if working at night, outdoors or in areas in which additional lighting would improve visibility
  • Use the seatbelt every time — it can prevent serious injury in the event of a rollover
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially if a load or environment may cause visibility obstructions
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure that they are aware of the equipment’s path

Stability

Forklifts have a high center of gravity, and with a load, that center of gravity is combined. Three-point suspension on lifts put support at both ends of the front axle and one in the middle of the back axle. Operators must stay within this “stability triangle” to help keep the forklift upright. Several factors can disrupt this triangle, including imbalanced or too-heavy loads and unsafe driving. These tips can help:

  • Stabilize and secure loads before operating a forklift
  • Keep loads low to the ground while using the forklift
  • Make sure loads are uphill when going up or down an incline
  • Go slowly during wet or slippery conditions to avoid tipping
  • Take it easy around turns and don’t be shy about using the horn

Loads

How operators handle loads can go a long way towards supporting a culture of forklift safety. According to OSHA, some required recommendations and requirements include securing the load, centering it as much as possible, and avoiding overload. For a more comprehensive explanation, check out the agency’s website for a refresher. It’s a great read, and it covers a long list of forklift safety best practices when it comes to loading, carrying, and unloading objects.

Above all, safety starts with properly using and maint aining high-quality equipment. Whether you’re looking for equipment for your newly purchased warehouse or you’re looking to replace aging warehouse supplies, Benco Industrial Equipment can help. We are the best source for forklift service, repair, sales, and leasing in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, and the surrounding areas! We are dedicated to providing the critical sales, service and repair you need to keep your warehouse running smoothly — get in touch!

 

 

 

 

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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