5 Simple Ways to Make Forklift Seats More Comfortable

Forklift operators can spend 8 or more hours per day behind the wheels of their vehicle. All that stopping and starting, jostling, and bumping can take a toll on their bodies. By the end of their shift, many forklift drivers feel as if they’ve gone ten rounds with a heavyweight boxing champion.

The forklift seat is the primary point of contact between the vehicle and the operator. So if the forklift seat is worn, broken, or cheaply made, the driver is likely to feel even worse at the end of their shift.

Replacing forklift seats is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve the way operators feel at the end of a long shift. But it’s not the only way.

Here are five simple “life hacks” forklift operators can use to improve their personal comfort while operating these heavy duty machines.

Move Your Wallet

Long-distance over-the-road truckers have known for generations that keeping your wallet in your back pocket while driving is a sure-fire way to get a backache (or at least a pain in the rear end) later on down the road.

When operating a forklift, temporarily move your wallet to your front pocket. Or lock it in your locker during your shift. Your back end will thank you for it later.

Adjust the Seat

Many forklift seats are adjustable, meaning they can be moved forwards or backwards depending on the length of the operator’s legs.

Find the most comfortable forklift seat setting for your personal size, then readjust the seat every time you get into the forklift. This will cut down on the strain put on your lower back, shoulders and neck and leave you feeling more relaxed throughout your shift.

Take Frequent Breaks

Sitting anywhere for a long period of time — whether it’s in the cabin of a forklift, behind the wheel of a car or truck, or at a desk — is unnatural to the human body.

To maintain your muscle tone and relieve stress on your spine, make a point of stopping your forklift, getting out of the cab, and walking around several times during your shift. Just make sure you look for other forklifts before you get out of your vehicle.

Eat Better Foods

Believe it or not, the foods you eat have a significant effect on the way you feel — even when you are at work.

If you improve your diet but cutting down on white sugars, carbohydrates, and fats and eating more proteins, fresh produce, and fiber, you will feel stronger longer.

Don’t Drive Drowsy

When you are tired, you tend to lose muscle tone. This can cause you to slouch in your seat, which can accelerate the effects of the constant vibrations that come with driving a forklift.

Stay alert throughout your shift by getting plenty of sleep when you are not at work. Drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks during break times. And keep your mind occupied: Try not to slip into a “funk” while driving your forklift.