Fork lift truck accidents are on the increase according to a new study conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The latest figures released from the organisation reveal a 4% increase in serious forklift truck accidents this year.
HSE suggests that, due to the state of the economy, companies are cutting costs in a desperate bid to save money when it comes to purchasing safety equipment and are cutting corners (sometimes quite literally) when it comes to forklift truck training.
To improve safety in your warehouse, particularly where forklift trucks are involved, check out our top tips:
1) Be visible
The warehouse can be a dangerous place, particularly with forklift trucks moving between the aisles. If you're working in the warehouse on foot, then it's wise to be kitted out with high visibility clothing to ensure that forklift truck drivers can see you.
2) Mark your territory
If you have designated areas for forklift trucks and pedestrians in the workplace, then you are one step ahead. Use floor graphic markers to indicate where forklift trucks and other warehouse traffic can drive, and where pedestrians can walk. This prevents the two from meeting in an unfortunate manner.
3) Smarten up
There are plenty of training providers out there who offer a nominal fee for a certain amount of training sessions. Specialist training is imperative for those who will be driving forklift vehicles within the warehouse so make sure that a training programme is followed.
Workforce First Training offer a wide range of training providers who specialise in a whole host of training programmes including forklift truck training and crane operating courses.
4) Protect your racking
When collisions occur between forklift trucks and pallet racking, it's often the
racking which comes off worse for wear. And damaged racking can only mean one thing... a large repair bill facing your business. By investing in column guards you can protect your racking from impact caused by forklift trucks and other warehouse vehicles. From £21 per guard, these can offer a much cheaper alternative to a larger repair bill for damaged racking.
