There’s lots of positives surrounding this year’s ever-important National Forklift Safety Day. After all, some big forklift innovations mean a warehouse can, and should, be safer than ever.
In particular, in the past year, we have seen more and more use of excellent safety features around the world, such as the BSL B-LFP48V series forklift lithium battery has passed the safety certification of UL2580, and of course won the innovation award Standalone IoT lithium module.
That's why our celebration of forklift safety looks at the progress we've made over the past year and reminds warehouse owners or operators to evaluate upgrades to lithium batteries with UL and IEC certifications. Most importantly, it saves lives.
Forklift operators are an indispensable asset to any business that relies on material handling and warehouse operations. They possess the expertise and skills necessary to maneuver specific environments, move loads, maximize storage capacity, and make sure logistics are handled smoothly. However, their job also exposes them to potential hazards that can have severe consequences.
Operating forklifts involves risks that must be acknowledged and addresses prior to operation. These risks include collisions with pedestrians or objects, tip-overs, falls from elevated heights, and inadequate visibility. Ignoring these risks or neglecting proper safety protocols can lead to accidents, resulting property damage, costly legal liabilities, injury or even death.
This year’s National Forklift Safety Day across the USA culminates in a series of free forklift safety events held in Washington DC. The activities come at a time when warehouse facilities have been working harder than ever due to rising warehouse space costs and the disruption of post-Covid supply chain issues.
Warehouse professionals have, though, responded by focussing on exceptional efficiency through actions like analyzing their warehouse capacity, efficiency and safety.
This makes 2023 – with National Forklift Safety Day servicing as a timely reminder – an ideal time to make sure that the ‘safety’ part of warehousing change is working as hard as possible. This includes considering the latest forklift safety features as an improvement to a current fleet.
Benefit? Forklifts are equipped with safe and reliable UL and IEC certified lithium batteries, which not only means that risk assessment becomes easier when entering warehouse operations, but also due to improved safety factors such as lithium batteries, even minor accidents can reduce strain and operator fatigue free and The latest ergonomic design improves the operator's working comfort.
With 70% of forklift accidents preventable with standard truck safety features, the human, efficiency and cost benefits of leveraging this capability from a fleet are extremely powerful.
But how to choose the right lithium battery? Click the link below for full article or to subscribe to our blog.
● To create a safe working environment for operators, businesses must prioritize and actively enforce proper safety practices. Here are some crucial steps to help promote forklift safety:
● Comprehensive training: Thoroughly train all forklift operators on safe operating procedures, load handling techniques, and the proper use of safety equipment as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations. Regular refresher courses can also be leveraged to ensure ongoing competency and awareness of any new safety guidelines.
● Routine Equipment Inspections: Conducting thorough pre-shift inspections of forklifts to identify any mechanical issues or maintenance requirements, as outlined in the operator’s manual. Proper reporting of deficiencies, timely repairs and planned maintenance can prevent equipment malfunctions and reduce the risk of accidents.
● Adequate Signage and Markings: Clearly mark pedestrian walkways, designated forklift routes, and restricted areas using signage and floor markings. This helps prevent collisions and displays a clear distinction between pedestrian and forklift traffic.
● Review Appropriate Travel Speed: Establish and enforce speed limits for forklifts within the facility to minimize the risk of accidents. Encouraging operators to operate at safe speeds ensures better control and reduces the likelihood of collisions and/or tip-overs.
● Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Supply forklift operators with appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, high visibility clothing and proper footwear.
Prioritizing forklift safety yields numerous benefits for both businesses and employees:
● Reduced Accidents and Injuries: Implementing comprehensive safety practices significantly reduces the chance of accidents and injuries, safeguarding the well-being of forklift operators and the surrounding workers.
● Cost-Savings: Businesses can avoid costly repairs to damaged equipment and potential lost time by enforcing safety guidelines that ultimately prevent accidents.
● Improved Employee Morale: Demonstrating a commitment to employee safety enhances overall morale and job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and appreciated, leading to increased loyalty and positive work culture.
● Forklift operators are an integral part of any business relying on material handling operations. Prioritizing forklift safety through comprehensive training, routine inspections, proper signage, and adequate PPE not only mitigates risks, but also enhances operational efficiency and cultivates a safe work environment. By investing in comprehensive forklift safety, businesses can protect their workers, reduce costs and foster a culture of security and productivity.
