Forklift accidents can be devastating for warehouses, with nearly 95,000 people injured through forklift accidents in the UK every year. Because the automation that takes forklifts and human operators out of the equation to minimise accidents is not feasible for many businesses, it is important that these businesses implement practices that help keep their operators and other employees safe. Here are five ways in which warehouse managers can promote warehouse safety by preventing forklift accidents.
Have a Clean and Organised Warehouse
Having a clean and organised warehouse is key because it ensures that there are no obstructions on the warehouse floors. Such obstructions cause drivers to swerve and this leads to accidents. Ensuring that lines are clean and clear by removing all debris and other obstructions should be the aim all the time.
Additionally, all warehouses should be well lit. Visibility can reduce accidents by huge margins as both drivers and other employees can see each other in time, giving either or both enough time to get out of the way or stop.
Ensure Forklifts Are Well Maintained
All forklifts should be routinely inspected to ensure that they are in great working order. Ideally, simple checks should be done every time a driver begins their shift and more intimate checks should be done every three months or so. If any issues are found, the forklift should not be used, with the warehouse manager instead calling a mechanic to correct these issues.
Ensure Operators Are Trained on Proper Operations
To ensure that everyone in the warehouse remains safe at all times, forklift operators should be properly trained. This training involves not only the safe operation of the forklift but also the safety of everyone else in areas where forklifts are operated. There are those who insist that forklift operators have licences to operate. The common consensus is that the safety training offered during the acquisition of these licences would go a long way in ensuring forklift safety.
However, there are those with a differing opinion, instead asking that operators complete a basic course instead of going out of their way to get a license. Forklift retailer Trucks Direct UK agrees that while a fit license is not mandatory for forklift operators, there are several requirements that should be met. These include the operators completing a basic course and being in good health as the bare minimums. This means that the operator should have great hearing, vision and overall health and, most of all, they should not be epileptic. Trucks Direct UK is the largest new and used forklift retailer in the UK, with over 200 forklifts in stock. They also provide financing for businesses that need it and serve customers all over the United Kingdom.
Ensure Proper Loading and Unloading Procedures are Followed
Improper procedures such as stacking pallets too high, poor forklift placement or high speeds are all accident precursors. Ensuring that drivers follow set loading and unloading procedures, keep their speeds low and exercise caution in loading areas can all help prevent accidents.
Forklift accidents are quite common in warehouses whose managers have not taken measures to prevent them. The good news is that this situation is easy to remember by implementing some new policies and ensuring everyone is mindful of their safety in areas where forklifts are operational.
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