Forklifts accidents usually result in severe injuries. The most affected persons are pedestrians and employees. Even if driven slowly, they still have the potential of causing damages. When a forklift accident injures an employee in the workplace, it reduces the productivity of the facility. In some cases, forklift accidents may be litigated in courts and may point your business in a bad light. These accidents may be prevented by simple practices like using forklift safety lights while driving them within your business premises. Here are four approaches that ensure that forklift accidents do not occur in your warehouse.
Ensure All Forklifts are Driven Responsibly
The first and most probably important measure in preventing forklift accidents is ensuring that only licensed professionals operate them. These operators have the necessary skills and experience to drive the forklift safely. For example, they know when the forklift safety lights should be on, and when to make turns without causing an accident. Experienced operators are also unlikely to use the forklift when an unstable load is present. It would help if you also ban driving forklifts while using headphones or when on your smartphone. These items distract the operator and accounts for the greatest number of forklifts accidents.
Using Upgraded Forklifts
It would be best if you only bought forklifts that are safe or upgraded with new safety features. For instance, modern forklifts contain wireless cameras that can be mounted on any position. These cameras allow drivers to have peripheral vision from a dashboard. As a result, the operator sees every movement within the forklift and knows how to avoid any unpredictable events. These cameras also guide operators when moving through various spaces without causing an accident. Forklifts should also have the required lights at all times. The forklift safety lights normally increase awareness, especially among pedestrians or employees while moving through the warehouse.
Safety of Pedestrians
Drivers are not solely responsible for forklift accidents. In some cases, pedestrians are always in the wrong and may not be aware of their surroundings. Pedestrians can be protected from forklifts by designing specific pathways for their use. Specific roads should also be designated for the forklifts. Having two separate paths ensures that pedestrians rarely come into contact with the forklift. Therefore, the use of different pathways limits chances of pedestrians causing accidents. Employees should also be trained on how to remove loads from the forklift without causing any accidents.
Checking Forklifts Carefully
Sometimes the forklift operator or pedestrians are not responsible for the accidents. Mechanical problems within the forklift remain a common source of accidents. Therefore, it is important to regularly maintain your forklifts and ensure that they are in good working condition. Regularly check the brakes, shift linkage, gears, transmission system, steering, and mast assembly. Once all these systems have been confirmed to be within the required standards, the operators should be left to fulfill their roles. Operators should also be trained on how to check the forklift regularly and how to identify any arising issues.
Conclusion
Forklifts provide an essential service in any warehouse. However, their use requires proper attention to reduce or minimize the occurrence of an accident. Training operators, using upgrades such as forklift safety lights, designating pedestrians’ pathways, and regularly maintaining the forklifts reduce any accidents. For more information on how to prevent forklifts related accidents, visit https://www.forkliftcenter.net/forklift-safety-lights/
Forklift Safety Solutions,
107 Brenthill,
Dr. Newark Ohio 43055,
614-626-7685
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