Forklifts are incredibly useful and a dire necessity of every industry with a warehouse. However, accidents related to these types of machinery are also quite common, and many of them are fatal. An accident can not only cause injury to the worker or loss of property but also tarnish the image of the organization and pose a question mark on its safety measures. So, every industry should be proactive in dealing with accidents involving forklifts by imparting proper education, training, and empowering their employees. Below is the checklist of things to be done to overcome forklift hazards in the warehouse.
The renowned regulatory body OSHA (Occupation Safety and Hazard Administration) suggests that industries should have a safety training program for forklift operators. However, it is best in the interest of business to have the proper training for all those who work in the vicinity of these heavy machines.
According to a report, an average of 705 forklift-related accidents can be prevented through an appropriate training program. Making safety training a priority will result in the consistent strengthening of the employees, and their willingness to actively support and participate in the program. And this structural training is just a starting point. Once in a year revision, along with, new employee training, will help keep all the staff on the same page.
Your warehouse reflects a lot about your business. If the warehouse is clean and organized, it means the foundation is safe and sound. Orderly lanes not only facilitate efficiency but also prevents the forklift drivers from making sudden and unpredictable movements to avoid debris and other impediments during operation. Failing to do this can potentially lead to accidents.
The management must be keen on the regular maintenance of lanes, and ensure they are free from products, trash, or other such obstacles. Moreover, check around your warehouse and see if all the zones have good lighting to ensure that surrounding areas of the forklifts have ample visibility for safe operation.
The warehouse should be designed in such a way that it keeps safety on top priority. For example, placing mirrors at the corners of the aisle can enhance visibility. The lanes and aisles should not be narrow instead, the width must be sufficient enough to safely make room for pedestrians and forklifts simultaneously.
Further, incorporating forklift safety lights can enhance visibility and communication in the operating area. Install blue forklift lights on both front and rear so that pedestrians can have a clear visual indication that a forklift is nearby.
Another vital add-on for ensuring maximum safety around the forklift is to install a camera on the forklift. The Forklift camera system can be availed in a variety of models including wired and wireless versions. These cameras are excellent in terms of giving a 360-degree view and countering blind spots. With real-time high-quality visual feedback, some forklift camera systems are also equipped with night-vision technology that enhances vision in dark and low light areas.
Then there are camera systems that ensure accurate placing and fetching of goods from heights. While some others are loaded with automatic backlighting, light control, and reverse gear activated screen.
The forklifts in the warehouse should be in good order. Daily, before operating the forklifts there should be a routine safety check of leaks such as hydraulic and engine oil, fuel and radiator coolant. Apart from this, make sure the tires are in shipshape having adequate inflation. Go for a visual examination of the fork mechanism and engine belts. If there are any issues, make sure a qualified mechanic should fix them before the drivers start operation.
Often poorly stacked goods, poorly maintained loading dock and high speeds can cause far more accidents than any other things in the warehouse. All this can lead to a forklift overturn or tilting on one side, leading to a fatal mishap. To fix this, either enforce a maximum speed limit on the premises or install a forklift speed limiter to ensure that the drivers use extreme caution. Besides, when it comes to loading and unloading, make sure the pallets are uniformly and precisely stacked with weight and height are taken into consideration. The forklift camera system can be useful in this case.
Takeaway
It is vital to know the reasons behind a hazard to solve that problem and take preventive measures. The safety management team in your organization must ensure that all the above rules are followed, and precautionary measures are taken seriously to prevent forklift accidents. With proper safety training and installing custom-built cutting-edge forklift security systems, the risks of accidents can be mitigated. SharpEagle helps you create a safe work environment by providing protective solutions for forklifts.
