6 Simple Tips to Improve Forklift safety 

Forklift Safety: Although forklifts are developed to be ergonomic and as safe as possible, they are still dangerous if not used correctly.
Almost all companies that handle material have safety rules to respect, but a fully operational warehouse is always a place where safety is never enough. Fortunately, our work can be much safer by carefully following a few simple rules and avoiding dangerous practices. This list of behaviors to keep is very long, we agree on some simple points to keep in mind every day.

1 – Do not exceed the load capacity of the forklift.

In order to save time and increase efficiency, some use the forklift to carry more weight than it is designed to carry. This is not good. Overloading a forklift truck not only increases the risk of damage and breakdowns that require downtime and maintenance, it is also a very risky behavior that can lead to serious accidents. You must adhere to the specified lifting capacity and be certain that the forklift will be able to handle the load safely.

2 – Do not forget to remove the keys once you get off the forklift.

forklift safety: It is easy to forget but it is important for the operator to make sure that no other unauthorized person can start the forklift.
In some trucks it is sufficient to remove the ignition key but in others it is necessary for the driver to log out of the on-board computer. This ensures that no unauthorized drivers get behind the wheel.

3 – Do not lift anyone with the forks without a special platform.

Some order pickers are designed to lift people so they can reach high shelves in a warehouse. But other forklifts aren’t made for this, which means that the forks should never be used to lift anything other than a proper unit load. Lifting a person with forks can be deadly. If it is necessary to use a standard forklift to lift a person, it is mandatory to use special accessories fixed to the forks.

4 – Do not travel with the load above a safe transport height.

Many forklifts are designed to give the driver a good view of the road from all angles. However, if you carry the lifted load, there is a risk that this blocks your view and makes the operation very dangerous for both the driver and others in the warehouse. Driving with too much load can also affect the stability of the truck, potentially making it more vulnerable to overturning when cornering.

5 – If the load obstructs the view, drive in the other direction.

Sometimes, the load of the forklift truck can be too high and therefore prevents a clear view, even if the forks are at the correct ride height. In these cases, it is safer to travel in the opposite direction, allowing the driver to clearly see any obstacles.

6 – Do not allow anyone to walk or stand under the raised forks of a forklift.

Forklift Safety: Unlike the previous points which require an operator to make a deliberate decision to act unsafe, this situation could arise by chance. Being constantly vigilant when driving forklifts is important. A person who is under the raised forks could be seriously injured, so it is essential to keep a safe distance.

How to reduce damage to forklifts?

For some businesses, the amount of money spent repairing forklift damage caused by poor or careless driving can be very high. These costs not only make work less efficient and drain budget, they are also avoidable.
Maintenance costs will always be present, but avoidable damage costs can be drastically reduced by investing in your operators.

Through good quality training, you can really start making a difference.

During a training course, drivers will learn how to handle the forklifts they use. In addition to practical skills, most of the courses also place a strong emphasis on teaching the importance of safety and careful driving in the warehouse.

Many companies that decide to invest in training and education for staff see a reduction in damage and a better safety culture in their activities. All of which saves money, increases efficiency and improves the working environment.