Tips for Basic Forklift Safety

by Kristen White Blogger

The first rule of forklift safety is training and proper certification for drivers. No one should be allowed to operate this equipment without first going through the necessary training course, practice driving and certification sign-off. This is important for several reasons because if an accident occurs while a non-certified driver is on the forklift then the company could be held more responsible financially and in other ways. A forklift is a moving piece of equipment with multiple handles and levers so training is a must-have for everyone whose position involves using this machine. Incomplete knowledge of this operation is a way to guarantee that loads will be dropped and individuals will get hurt because standard rules are not being followed.

Next rule is about equipment maintenance because a machine that is not properly maintained can malfunction and create a dangerous situation or cause damage. Make sure that you purchase forklift radiator and other related parts from a reliable supplier after having confirmed there is a problem or that it is time to update the components. Forklifts are a type of vehicle, so they should undergo routine checks for the overall condition of the machine as well as daily inspections to make sure there are no obvious problems or things that need to be corrected or identified. Many companies require individuals to sign a log when they start and finish with the forklift so there is a record of checks and who last used the machine.

Situational awareness is everyone’s responsibility and a vital part of safety so having the proper signs around the working area along with visual and audible indicators is helpful. You can order forklift safety light from the same supplier as the above items and have everything shipped to the location for installation. Lights and sounds are easy ways to alert individuals in the area that the forklift is in use and they need to be careful where they walk and watch the load it is carrying.

There are a variety of options to choose from so review the inventory and compare with the forklift for compatibility to make sure that the items you purchase will fit and operate with the machine. Lastly, forklift operators are recommended to wear hard hats, gloves and vests as protective safety clothing which can be purchased through safety suppliers online at affordable costs. This adds a layer of protection in case the forklift runs into something, falling objects or other hazards that can happen in a warehouse.

It is up to each business to determine the level of safety measures they want to implement but being proactive about this is more cost efficient than having to react to a safety hazard and incident. The forklift is the biggest financial investment so following the above tips can also lengthen the life of this vehicle and help it to operate better for a longer period of time. This makes the most of your purchase and protects your employees which are an even greater investment and cannot be replaced.