Forklift Safety for Warehouses

Avatar of Julie Kha
By : Julie Kha

5 Tips for Ultimate Forklift Safety in Your Warehouse

Each year, approximately 62,000 forklift accidents occur in the United States, with more than half resulting in serious injury. This staggering statistic underscores the critical importance of prioritizing forklift safety for everyone working in a warehouse.

According to OSHA, around 70% of these forklift accidents and injuries are avoidable through rigorous training and policy enforcement. By implementing comprehensive safety programs, the majority of forklift safety incidents can be prevented.

The benefits of robust safety programs extend beyond just keeping workers safe and uninjured. Such programs help avoid downtime, increase productivity, reduce insurance costs, prevent litigation, boost morale, prevent equipment damage, and minimize product damage.

Here are 5 key considerations for the achieving forklift safety for warehouses:

1) Incorporate Advanced Technology.

Recent advancements have revolutionized forklift safety training. Total Warehouse’s material handling training solutions offer comprehensive and hands-on training programs that meet OSHA standards for warehouse workers. Workers can gain experience and confidence with new equipment in a virtual setting before operating on the warehouse floor.

Explore Our Forklift Training Certification Programs

Forklift telematics can transform safety practices. By continuously tracking the movement, speed, and activities of forklifts, telematics hold drivers accountable and help identify training needs before accidents occur.

Explore Our Telematics for Intelligent Fleet Management

Linde Connect

 

2) Keep Your Forklifts & Equipment In Top Shape

Proactive maintenance and routine inspections are crucial for preventing equipment-related accidents. Early identification and resolution of issues like worn tires, faulty brakes, or cracked forks can avert potential problems.

Total Warehouse provides repairs, service & maintenance for a wide range of forklifts, pallet jacks, & order pickers aimed at maximizing the value of your investment and minimizing the total cost of ownership. A PM agreement serves as a testament to a company’s dedication and competence in supporting YOUR business.

Explore Our Forklift Repair Services

 

3) Incentivize Forklift and Warehouse Safety

Creating a culture of safety within your organization can be significantly aided by incentivizing safety. Recognizing and rewarding individual employees and teams for their safety efforts fosters buy-in and engagement. A well-structured incentive program can facilitate the swift rollout of safety initiatives and keep the team motivated.

Explore Our Forklift Safety Training Programs

 

4) Train Your Drivers for Load Awareness

Tip-overs are the most common cause of serious forklift accidents. Drivers must be trained to avoid these incidents by understanding the “stability triangle” suspension system. The front two wheels and the center of the steer axle form this triangle, and loads that keep the truck’s center of gravity within this triangle are safe. Overweight or oversized loads can destabilize the truck and cause accidents. Drivers should be vigilant and avoid risks with unfamiliar or oversized goods.

Explore Our Forklift Driving Safety Training Programs

 

5) Make Your Trucks Safer

Enhancing the safety features of your trucks can significantly improve overall safety. Adding equipment like blue pedestrian lights improves visibility for workers. Other available add-ons include blind spot cameras, fork guidance lasers, tilt indicators, and collision sensors. Adjustments such as regulating the top speed of forklifts in smaller warehouses can also enhance safety.

Explore Our Equipment, Safety Features, & Specifications

 

Talk to a Total Warehouse Forklift Expert

For more information about forklift training programs, advanced safety features, or telematics technology, reach out to a material handling expert at Total Warehouse today! Investing in forklift safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical step towards ensuring a safer, more productive, and efficient warehouse environment.

Contact Us Today At: https://www.totalwarehouse.com/contact/ 

 

At Total Warehouse, we provide a range of service and parts programs to guarantee that you get optimal value for your investment, along with the most cost-effective ownership experience. We deliver high-quality products and services at competitive prices, representing products manufactured by Linde, UniCarriers Forklift, Big Joe Manufacturing, and Landoll. We’ve helped countless of businesses across the United States achieve lower maintenance, reduced costs, increased worker satisfaction, and increased economic sustainability. Our team of highly knowledgeable experts can help you make the right decision for your business. Give us a call at 833-868-2500 or contact us online.