Warehouses, distribution centers, storage units, and godowns function well because of forklifts. They reduce manual labor, expedite moving heavy goods over short distances, and make transportation/shipment of goods feasible. However, utilizing forklifts comes with a lot of responsibility. If not handled properly, they can lead to fatal accidents and put your business at risk of injuries, property damage, delayed shipments, and insurance issues.
According to statistics by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every year more than 85,000 accidents happen due to mishandling of forklifts. Some of these accidents can be prevented, but only if you prioritize forklift safety.
Workplace safety is crucial for a long-term successful business. As a business that involves moving goods on a large scale, avoiding accidents becomes even more important.
In this blog, we will learn proven ways to avoid forklift services accidents in the workplace that will increase safety and not let businesses suffer damage.
The Real Impact of Forklift Accidents
Before we jump to prevention of forklift accidents, let’s understand the causes behind such incidents.
There are various reasons that can lead to a mishap. It could be the fault of the operator, the forklift could be poorly maintained, in general the loading and unloading process could be done in an unsafe manner, or there could be issues like improper pathways.
Let’s look at all the possible causes of forklift accidents:
- The operator may not be adequately trained and may even lack certification or required awareness.
- If the pathway of forklifts is not clear, obstructions can cause accidents at blind spots.
- Overloading, speeding, lack of safety protocols, and more can cause unwanted incidents.
- Other aspects that contribute to accidents are not following safety instructions and not conducting proper audits.
When we say an accident, it could be of various types, such as collisions with people or objects, falling loads, or tip-overs. No matter the accident, they make the workspace unsafe for the employees and also affect the workflow. Ensuring business efficiency is vital and so is maintaining financial stability. However, these things should not come at the risk of life and resources. That is why keeping safety a priority is essential!
How to Reduce Forklift Accidents in Your Workspace?
There are various ways to prevent accidents at the workplace, but the first one is awareness that safety is essential. Once you know this, improving the process becomes easier.
Here are different ways to reduce forklift accidents:
Proper Operator Training
You need well-trained operators to reduce the number of forklift accidents. Having someone trained ensures that all safety protocols are followed. You have to ensure that all operators are trained before they actually start the job.
Regular Equipment Maintenance
Operators are not always at fault; sometimes it’s the forklift. This highlights that you must check, inspect, and maintain the forklifts. If you want to prevent accidents, there should be thorough checking of brakes, tires, steering, lights, and warning systems. Once you are sure that there are no equipment issues, the operator can drive the forklift.
Clear and Systematic Routes
As discussed, accidents can also occur due to unorganized routes or pathways. That is why you must ensure that the routes of your facility are clear and systematic. You can designate proper spots for loading and unloading and keep the pathways clear to prevent accidents.
Safe Loading and Unloading Practices
There must be proper instructions for loading and unloading, such as load limits and how to secure the load properly. This prevents the load from falling and causing accidents.
Speed Limits and Rules
You must set operational rules, including an appropriate speed limit, to reduce rushed operations and reduce collisions. This will establish safety and efficiency in your workspace.
Partner with an Expert Freight Broker Company
Ensuring safety while utilizing forklifts is quite complex, but professionals can handle everything well. Once you hand over the responsibility of choosing the best forklifts for your business with trained operators, you can relax. Your freight partner will handle things like paperwork, qualified operators, and forklifts with the best functioning capacity.
Why Does Forklift Safety Matter to Unify Logistic Solutions?
Unify Logistic Solutions provides freight brokerage services, including forklift services. Forklift accidents are not only problematic for people who are working with them but also the reason behind damaged goods, shipment delays, and revenue losses.
Other than the damage, such incidents affect the workflow and may even cause reputational damage. If businesses want to ensure forklift safety, then it is crucial that they choose a reliable freight partner.
On the one hand, it saves time and energy to get forklifts, and on the other hand, it reduces the safety risks as your logistics partner handles it all.
Bottom Line
Forklift accidents can be threatening to both life and your business operations. That is why you have to focus on following practices that reinforce safety and streamline the workflow. When handled properly, forklifts prove to be an asset for supply chain management. And expert logistics or freight services can simplify it for you.
Partner with Unify Logistic Solutions and get top-notch forklift service for your business that adds an additional layer of safety and efficient handling. We make forklifts in the best condition and with a well-versed operator available for you without any hassle. Our services are designed to understand your requirements, customize solutions, and offer transparency and continuous support.
For functional, safe, and proficient forklift services, choose our services and improve your workplace safety.