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Forklifts and other machinery used to transport heavy loads play an important role in warehouse operations. As with any workplace equipment, their use comes with safety considerations, regardless of the size of the warehouse. By recognising and managing these risks effectively, you can help maintain a safe and productive working environment.
When operating multiple forklifts or other heavy-load machinery, effective safety management becomes even more important. Ensuring equipment is used correctly and that the appropriate safety checks are carried out regularly can help protect your operation, minimise the risk of equipment damage and, most importantly, help keep your employees safe.
At Multy Lift, we’ve worked with many businesses, supplying safe and reliable forklifts for their operations. We thoroughly understand safety concerns, and the measures that can be taken to ensure safe operation.
In this article, we share our top tips for managing a forklift fleet safely, covering common mistakes, their potential consequences, and 10 tips to maximise safety during forklift operation.
Common safety risks to using forklift trucks
Using any type of heavy machinery presents a risk, particularly where used in busy, tight spaces. 1 in 5 workplace fatalities are caused by forklift trucks and similar types of industrial vehicles.
There’s no way to prevent accidents entirely. However, there are common safety risks that, with correct assessment and management, can be avoided.
Collisions
Collisions can occur where operators are inexperienced, navigating tight spaces, or driving the machines recklessly. This could be into other machines, stocked shelves, or in the very unfortunate case, employees.
Overturning
Forklift overturns are the most common cause of fatal accidents. This typically occurs when operators take corners too fast, with the risk increasing when loads are incorrectly stacked or secured. Weighing up to 10,000+ pounds, forklifts present a risk of serious injury to the operator and anyone nearby.
Falling loads
Stacked incorrectly, exceeding the forklift’s weight capacity, or not being properly secured, loads can fall, posing a serious risk to anyone or anything nearby. The operation of the machine can also play a part, with excessive speed or sudden moves capable of causing the forklift to lose balance.
Overloading
Each forklift has a maximum weight capacity. Exceeding it puts unnecessary strain on the machine, increasing the risk of tipping, mechanical failure, or loss of control. Overloading can also reduce operator visibility, which could result in collisions with shelving, machinery, or personnel.
10 tips to help keep your fleet operating safely
By paying the right attention to your operation, you can help prevent the common safety risks operating forklifts bring.
- Regularly train and monitor operators
Many accidents can be avoided with how machines are operated. Putting your employees through regular training can sustainably lower the risk of accidents in your workplace.
Monitoring how your staff operate is just as important. Installing forklift telematics systems or fleet management hardware can encourage greater care in operation.
- Optimise your warehouse space
Adding one-way systems, pedestrian rails, and racking barriers can help eliminate collisions between machines, storage, and any pedestrians. Paired with well-designed racking, this can lead to safer, more efficient operation.
- Invest in your machines
New forklifts are built with the latest features, including state-of-the-art cameras, sensors, and alarms. Some even have speed control, which works dynamically based on load height, steering angle, and operation zone.
Investing doesn’t mean buying all new machines. Forklifts can be modified, with add-on and wearable sensors for safer operation. Newer used machines can also save you a substantial amount, and many offer the same reliable features as new.
- Inspect machines daily
Inspect each forklift daily, or before each new shift, looking for any leaks, signs of wear or damage that could pose a risk to safety. Key parts to check include tyres, brakes, and steering – any of which could cause loss of control if faulty.
- Keep your forklifts well-maintained
Forklifts should be thoroughly inspected at an absolute minimum of every 12 months. To keep them as safe as possible, Since 2004, CFTS has set a standard for Thorough Examinations. CFTS was created by the UKMHA to solve a vital problem facing work equipment users. Multy Lift Forktrucks are CFTS Accredited so you can rest assured that your forklift is up to the highest safety legislations PUWER & LOLER. CFTS Thorough Examination – What is a Thorough Examination?
Here to help with forklift supply and maintenance
At Multy Lift, we’re experts in the supply and maintenance of forklifts, helping to keep your fleet working reliably and safely. Whether you need scheduled maintenance or help matching your operations with quality forklifts fitted with all the latest safety features, we are ISO9001, 14001 & 45001 Certified and CFTS Accredited so we have you covered.
Call today on 01623 794094 or https://www.multylift.co.uk/contact-us/ for more information on how Multy Lift can help your business.
