07 Mar Forklift Accidents: 5 Ways to Prevent Them
Did you know that forklift accidents are more common than you might think? It’s true. In fact, it’s estimated that there are up to one hundred thousand serious forklift injuries every year; an even more devastating statistic is that of those one hundred thousand accidents, one hundred were fatal. No one wants an accident to happen, but they do even in the best conditions. And an accident will often force an organization to look at the culture of safety within the warehouse, but it should be looked at in more depth before an accident occurs. Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind…
Training, training, training. It’s important. It’s important for both productivity and safety. When a forklift operator knows his or her machine, and knows the spaces within the warehouse and the limitations of those spaces, can only improve the functionality and success within the workplace. Some training should be considered mandatory, including refresher training, and employees should be encouraged to continue their education.
It may seem obvious, but one of the most important aspects to a safe, functional warehouse is cleanliness. The aisles shouldn’t be cluttered. Make sure that the warehouse is properly lit; invest in quality lightening. And in addition to a clean, well-lit workplace, make sure that the machines themselves are clean and in proper working order. Machines should be well-maintained, and problems should be addressed before the machine is put into daily service.
There should also be requirements as to loading procedures. Forklift operator should be subjected to considerable training as to loading procedures; they should stack loads properly, and know the limits of their machine. There should also be speed limits for forklifts throughout the warehouse, and training/policies that ensure that every forklift operator knows and understands these limits.
If you have any questions about how to better build a culture of warehouse safety, or if you would like to speak with the forklift professionals at Anderson Forklift about purchasing a new or used/refurbished forklift, then make sure to call today.
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