Forklift Work Platforms Extend Range for Higher Projects

Forklifts are most commonly used for moving pallets of materials from one area to another or for loading or unloading trucks. But did you know that when used with forklift work platforms they also can be used as a substitute for scaffolding, work platforms and other equipment used for working on projects at heights?

Forklift work platforms are forklift attachments that can be fitted over the forks of most lift vehicles. They feature a secure platform often equipped with skid-proof surfaces, safety rails and other security features to make them safe for use in practically any elevated work area.

Can Replace Other Elevated Platforms

If you already own a forklift, forklift work platforms can replace or supplement other equipment such as scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms, staircases, platforms and portable ladders.

When you need temporary access to an elevated work area for maintenance jobs or other projects, you can minimize the risk and improve efficiency by attaching a forklift work platform to your lift truck.

Can Be Used for a Variety of Jobs

Forklift work platforms can be used for non-routine tasks for which it is impractical to purchase or lease purpose-built access equipment such as scaffolding. They also are ideal for replacing lights in high-rise warehouses and manufacturing facilities, removing debris from blocked gutters and checking on damage or wear to roofs or ceilings.

Other uses include jobs that might otherwise be performed using less secure means of access, such as ladders.

A properly and securely attached forklift work platform can provide a higher level of safety than other types of elevated work surfaces. Plus, given the forklifts ability to easily travel from one work area to another and the functionality of its mast to lift the loading platform to a variety of heights, the forklift work platform provides a versatility and expanded range of use as compared to other elevated work surfaces.

Always Follow Safety Rules

Workers should only use forklift work platforms in conjunction with approved policies and procedures of both the attachment’s manufacturer and workplace management. Working at heights is inherently dangerous and employees could be injured or even killed if proper protocols are not followed.

These can include the use of safety harnesses and spring-loaded anti-falling cables while working at elevated heights. Some forklift work platforms require workers to secure their safety harness to the basket so that if there is an accidental fall the worker’s fall will be safely stopped prior to collision with the ground.

In addition, if the forklift work platform has a gate with a lock that prevents it from being opened, this gate should remain closed whenever the platform is elevated.

Safe, Productive Applications

It’s also important that the forklift remain stationary whenever workers are on a platform that is elevated. Moving the vehicle while the mast is extended could cause undue shaking or jolts that could cause falls, collisions with overhead obstacles, or other potential injury-causing accidents.

Yet even though the vehicle should not be moved, the forklift operator should remain at the controls of the truck while the platform is elevated.

Forklift work platforms offer the ideal solution for working at elevated work areas in a wide variety of applications. When operated according to the recommended safety rules, they can cut down on your equipment rental or purchase expenses by replacing other equipment while providing increased versatility and mobility.