Easy Forklift Safety Fixes

A forklift, also known as a lift truck, can be an invaluable piece of equipment in a warehouse. These heavy-duty machines can lift literally tons of supplies, tools and products. Forklifts are used in many businesses today. And yet we often find employees driving them who have not been properly trained or certified. This can result in accidents.

Your employees must know the rules of the road in order to achieve an accident-free workplace. However, forklift safety classes are available online. Your employees can learn all about the machine and recommended requirements for safe driving and they can get a certificate that shows they know what they’re doing.

Forklift Safety

Forklift Safety

In every warehouse, you’ll find at least one fork lift that has worn out parts on it. This is a hazard within itself. Below are five of the most common problems:

1. Worn out seat belts. Sometimes inspectors find that the seat belt doesn’t work at all. Other times, employees have not been trained to use it.
2. Steering problems. At times, the steering mechanism can get damaged either through normal use or because of drivers who don’t know what they are doing. If the steering wheel is difficult to use and drivers are struggling to make those turns, then it’s just a matter of time before an accident occurs.
3. Damaged forks. This can happen very easily because those forks are used with every load. If the driver doesn’t have the forks centered under the load, it can tip over, damaging one or both forks.
4. Headlights, proper lighting. You wouldn’t drive your car with a fork lift headlight out. Headlights and taillights are important components in lift truck safety. And this is an easy, inexpensive fix.
5. Damaged seat. Is your lift truck’s seat in good condition? Often, inspectors find fork lift seats that are worn out and dangerous. You can buy a new seat for around $200 and have someone in the warehouse replace it.

Forklift Safety Training

Be sure to get your employees properly certified in lift truck safety. This is an important step if you want an accident free workplace. All employees are required to complete refresher training at least every three years or when any of these conditions exist:

• The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss
• The operator has been observed operating the lift in an unsafe manner
• Operator evaluation reveals an incompetency
• Conditions in the workplace change dramatically

Forklift Accessories

Bahrns Equipment, the parent company of Forklift Accessories, has a rich history spanning more than 50 years in forklift sales, service, parts, forklift rental, material handling equipment, warehouse supplies, and shipping supplies. Additionally, Bahrns Equipment provides top brands, sales, service, parts, and much more for lawn and garden equipment.

Customer satisfaction has always been a top goal for Bahrns. The organization has a reputation for quality, service, and honesty and is now a recognized leader in the numerous industries we work in. We appreciate our customers and the trust you place in us each day.