SharpEagle Technology

5 Tips To Improve Forklift safety - Don't Blame The Driver

Forklift safety is a top priority in any warehouse or facility using these machines. Here at Sharp Eagle we take forklift safety seriously employing several techniques and maintenance procedures to ensure driver and operator safety. One of them is our monitoring and surveillance solution. 

One thing is for sure – the fault should seldom befall the forklift driver. Rather, this is an organizational challenge that needs improvement and involvement of everyone – bottom up! Today, we bring five steps you can employ to improve forklift safety at your facility.

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1. Setup Effective Communication

Of course, distractions and human error often cause forklift-related mishaps. That’s why you must ensure that operators and workers stay alert on the job, mitigating distractions that can cause them to misoperate or damage the vehicle. 

Supervisors and managers need to be alert too and supervise their workforce accordingly. If you notice an operator being too tired on your security camera, be willing to find a replacement on the spot or be prepared to operate the machine yourself. Taking each other back is the most effective way of mitigating this risk. And communication will be greatly improved as a result. 

2. Only Certified Operators

This one is an obvious statement, but it often gets overlooked by warehouse teams all around. So many times, surveillance cams detect people without any knowledge jumping into vehicles and operating them.

You should employ a safe organizational culture here and ensure all employees working with forklifts get certified for operating them. Allowing the culture of safety to slip through gaps to cut costs can often cost you more than paying and financing proper training programs. 

3. Surveillance Is A Must

Actively monitoring the premises is a must when it comes to forklift accidents. Oftentimes cameras can capture what people don’t. You must have the proper tracking equipment so that when accidents do happen, you can analyze the situation and employ necessary measures to prevent it from happening again. 

We recommend buying video equipment that functions in a variety of hazardous environments, such as Sharp Eagle’s Forklift cameras – these cameras have been ATEX certified, and are working in all kinds of dangerous conditions, such as fire, dusty spaces, etc. Having a close ally in the form of super-durable equipment is a must! 

4. Regular Checks And Maintenance

One of the top causes of forklift mishaps isn’t on the driver but on the safety measures you employ. Maintenance and operating teams should always have safety steps enforced before any operation to ensure minimum risks.

It’s important to do forklift maintenance checks every time a person is about to engage the vehicle. Try to define a standard operating procedure that would include: 

• Check the vehicle fluid levels

• Look for visible damage and dents - if there’s something to report better talk to your manager

• Tire pressure and condition check

• Are inspection stickers in the right place and legible?

• Is the operator compartment free of any debris or garbage?

• Check that all safety features and devices are functioning and working

5. Use Messaging And Markings For Safety

Signs, warnings, and messages are here for a good reason. Signaling the drivers and other people about the flow of your warehouse is the best thing you can do to ensure safety and that nobody gets hurt. These safety messages will help streamline your work processes and ensure top safety. 

Everyone should be aware and knowledgeable about how to safely get out of the way, without being hit by a coming forklift and an unsuspecting driver. Defining forklift travel lanes is the smartest thing warehouse teams can do to promote safety around forklifts. 

Conclusion

Keeping everyone safe around forklifts should be a top priority for warehouse management and teams. The very best thing is to be alert at all times, using proper markings, warnings, and maintenance checkups. 

The very best line of defense, however, will be to acquire safety gear and surveillance cameras to be able to monitor every situation and prevent accidents from happening again! Best to go with the ATEX-certified and explosion-proof forklift cameras from Sharp Eagle. Schedule a free consultation with our experts to know more about forklift safety solutions for warehouse.

Feel free to contact us for any required products/services at: [email protected]

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https://www.sharpeagle.uk/blog/forklift-safety-lights-maximize-forklift-safety-at-your-workplace