News / Blog
How to Improve Forklift Safety
in Adverse Conditions
Forklift safety is a major concern for warehouse employers, and it could result in a major injury if not handled with health and safety in mind. According to recent statistics, Forklifts account for around 34,000 injuries annually, and around 85 deaths each year. This makes forklift operations one of the primary sources of workplace injuries in warehouses.
These injuries and deaths can occur for various reasons, such as lack of experience, lack of training, and complacency among workers. Forklift operators also face further hardship if their working environment isn’t up to par. However, along with training, forklift operators find that it is essential that they use the right type of tyre, as it ensures that they have the optimum grip while working in difficult weather and unfavourable terrain.
Type of Adverse Conditions that can affect Handling and Forklift Safety
Forklift operators can be exposed to different unfavourable conditions. This could be weather or unsuitable environmental conditions that can affect how an operator handles a forklift and the safety precautions they should take. Here are three of the most common types of adverse conditions:
Winter Weather: It’s important to think about forklift winter safety since snow and ice can heavily affect how forklifts operate. Icy weather can impact components of a forklift, such as its hydraulics, while icy surfaces can affect the wheels, making controlling a forklift difficult, especially if slush is on the ground. Snowy weather can also affect visibility which may result in a collision.
Rainy Weather: This type of weather can affect the manoeuvrability of the forklift, making handling the vehicle without proper training difficult. This can be because brakes will become less effective and responsive on slippy terrain. The weather can also affect visibility, which in turn compromises forklift safety in rain.
Loose or Slippy Flooring: Warehouse flooring can affect the friction of forklift tyres, especially if the floor is slippy or wet. Slippy flooring, coupled with a change in trajectory and integrity (uneven flooring or slop), can also affect forklift safety.
How to Improve Forklift Safety in Adverse Conditions
As a forklift operator, there are various ways you can improve your forklift safety while working in these conditions:
Proper Training
The proper training can make a world of difference to forklift health and safety. Whether you are an experienced operator or a new one, the experience and training can ensure that you are prepared to handle any terrain.
Staying Focus
It only takes a second for things to go wrong, especially when handling heavy-duty equipment in unfavourable conditions, so staying focused while working is essential for forklift health and safety.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with regular maintenance can help you maintain a safe working environment. In most cases, it may mean changing the forklift tyres to more sustainable and suitable wheels, such as forklift polyurethane wheels for wet and rough conditions. Or ensuring the hydraulics are in good working order.
Regular maintenance checks can benefit you in the long term as it will ensure that you are prepared for different working scenarios. In some cases, it’s important to know that you can gouge grip patterns into old and new polyurethane wheels, so they can have increased grip while being used on various surfaces.
Wear the Correct Clothing and Equipment
During harsh or unfavourable weather, it is essential that you protect yourself while handling a forklift. This is because working in such an environment can also affect you. Forklift safety is dependent on your judgement, reflexes, and training. If you are uncomfortable, it can affect your concentration and work, which could have a devastating effect.
Final Thoughts
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