How Important is Proper Forklift Lighting?

One often overlooked element of workplace safety is lighting. When offices, hallways and warehouses don’t have the proper lighting, they can be dangerous places. Employees are often distracted by work-related or personal issues. They might be talking and not paying attention. In a warehouse, this is often even more dangerous.

Warehouses usually have pallets of products sitting around. There might be several forklifts moving about. Though your company may have monthly safety meetings, lighting can make all the difference. When accidents do occur, employees often say that it was because they simply didn’t see a person or object. They were looking away, talking on the phone or otherwise preoccupied. This is the primary reason for many auto accidents. Drivers get bored and look away.

Warehouse Lighting

Good lighting can be a game changer. Whether it’s on a street, in a home or at the job, good lighting means you have the ability to see what’s coming at you in time to avoid a collision. On fork lifts, it’s important to make sure all the headlamps and taillights are working properly. There’s also a powerful strobe light on the back that illuminates the area. This should be working as well.

The way to assure this happens is to assign an employee to be in charge of maintaining your forklift. If the seat wears out, or the steering wheel gets damaged, they can order new parts. When taillights and such go out, they can make sure this is dealt with right away.

Forklift Safety

There are a few good pointers to observe when thinking about forklift safety:

• Keep aisles clear of debris.
• Make sure drivers are properly trained and certified.
• Keep the warehouse well lit.
• Always ensure pedestrian safety. People should know which areas will be used by a lift truck during the day. Drivers should be cautious when backing out of trailers or down aisles.

Make sure your lift truck is well maintained. A monthly maintenance schedule is a great way to accomplish this. Know what types of lighting your forklift needs. Here’s a checklist:

• Two LEDs rated to last 50,000 hours at 830 lumens.
• Super high-intensity beam with polycarbonate lens that projects at least 15′.
• Shock and impact-resistant aluminum housing.
• Lights mounted to forklift cage.

OSHA Safety

The OSHA website has some important information about the operation of forklifts:

“All forklift operators must be at least 18 years old and receive training and certification. If an underage or unlicensed operator is found using a lift, their employer can be penalized.”

Employers that obey OSHA guidelines usually lower their risk of forklift accidents. Forklift operators can safely and effectively perform routine duties. Everyone wants to get home securely to their family each day.

Bahrns Equipment Has Forklift Accessories

Bahrns Equipment, the parent company of Forklift Accessories, has a fine history covering more than 50 years in forklift sales, service, parts, forklift rental, material handling equipment, warehouse supplies, and shipping supplies. Get strobe lights and replacement bulbs for all your fork lifts.

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.