With material handling being an integral part of any warehouse operation, it is essential that operators wring every advantage from their fleet in the drive for greater productivity. But in the quest for greater efficiency, safety should never be compromised, as David Goss, Technical Manager, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) explains.
Modern material handling fleets utilise sophisticated technology to help operators improve their performance. The latest forklift trucks on the market are safer than they have ever been, with competition between manufacturers to improve the features on their products proving to be a boon for the industry.
However, the truck is only as safe as the operator using it. Therefore, it is very important that the operator is fully trained in the use of that truck and aware of all the safety features and what they do. It is obligatory for the warehouse manager to ensure that all personnel that will be operating MHE are trained for the specific tasks and environment they will encounter as well as in the basic operation of the equipment. They must also monitor the workplace and take any necessary corrective measures to ensure that all requirements are adhered to.
Good safety protocols extend beyond MHE operators, and managers and supervisors have a legal duty of care to ensure that all people working or visiting the warehouse are always kept safe. As every site is different, this requires that a site-specific risk assessment is carried out and kept up to date.
Statistics show that impacts between pedestrians and forklifts present a significant risk of a life changing injury or a fatality. Safely segregating people from workplace transport was the key message of National Forklift Safety Day 2020, and the best way of achieving this is by physical barriers. However, the importance of traffic planning, route marking and effective information delivery is also emphasised in the freely downloadable campaign material.
Whilst there are a variety of technology solutions that can improve safety where physical barriers are not practical, ranging from spot lamps warning of an approaching truck, up to geolocation, proximity detection and speed limitation, these should be subject to risk assessment for the specific application, with the necessary training and enforcement measures provided, and the impact monitored for any unintended consequences.
No matter how advanced the truck, safety and productivity can only be assured by a close relationship and mutual understanding between the truck supplier and the warehouse management.
For further information, visit www.bita.org.uk and www.nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk
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