OUR TOP TIPS FOR FORKLIFT WAREHOUSE SAFETY

Safety at work should be taken seriously no matter what job you do, but when dealing with any machinery – such as forklifts – it’s especially important that safety is at the forefront of workers’ minds. While forklifts can no doubt help speed up and improve your operations, misuse or a lack of training can be a recipe for disaster.

Having a forklift safety system for your warehouse is essential. Keep reading for our top tips for maintaining forklift warehouse safety.

WAREHOUSE FORKLIFT SAFETY RULES

UNDERTAKE DAILY CHECKS

Have a forklift safety system in your warehouse by making sure you’re examining your machines regularly with routine inspections. Checking your machines at the start of each working day is a great habit to get into. During your examinations, it’s a good idea to have a checklist that you can tick off. Make sure that:

• Any lights are working.
• Breaks are working well.
• The tires are in good condition with no damage.
• The steering is working correctly.

WORK IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Make sure your warehouse is free from any mess or clutter and that signage is clear and observable. Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of work-related injuries in the UK, according to stats from the Health & Safety Executive. Ensure your lighting is correct and workers have a clear sight of their surroundings, spills are cleared up immediately, and everyone is aware of any potentially slippery surfaces.

Be aware that wet surfaces can be hazardous when driving forklifts, as stopping distances can be much longer, just like in a car.

WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

Dressing right when using forklift trucks can go a long way towards maintaining proper safety.  PPE (personal protective equipment) protects workers from anything that could jeopardize their physical safety during the workday. PPE could include:

• Safety shoes like steel toecap boots.
• A helmet/hard hat to protect your head from sudden dangers or impacts.
• Eye protection like safety glasses or goggles.
• High-visibility clothing like a reflective jacket or vest.
• Safety gloves to protect your hands.

FORKLIFT DRIVER TRAINING

Probably the most important aspect of warehouse forklift safety is making sure drivers are properly trained and qualified. According to figures released by the HSE, 43 people are injured by forklifts every week, and there’s a fatality every 6 weeks.

Making sure that those operating forklifts are well-versed in how to do so safely and correctly plays a vital role in helping to prevent accidents. Casual training has serious downsides, so you should always make sure that you’re undergoing training with an experienced, accredited company that knows forklift safety rules like the backs of its hands.

At Moorgate, we understand the risks associated with forklifts. That’s why we’ve been offering forklift driver training courses in Leeds for over 30 years. From complete beginners to experienced drivers looking for refresher training (which should be undertaken every three years), our courses will make sure your business is complying with the latest industry regulations and standards – and staying as safe as possible.

We hope these tips for forklift safety in warehouses were helpful. If you’re looking for forklift driver training in Yorkshire, get in touch today for details. You can reach us on 07808883209 or brianford@safety1stforklifttraining.com.