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Heavy duty equipment such as high capacity forklifts, reach stackers, and container handlers are used in a range of industries worldwide to transfer freight containers and other large loads quickly and efficiently. With the increased lift capacity of these heavy trucks, there is an increased need for safety in order to prevent injuries to operators and damage to cargo. While all heavy trucks come standard with select safety features, many other advanced, optional features greatly improve operator, pedestrian and equipment safety, contributing to a more productive workforce. Read on to learn more about the importance of safely operating heavy equipment as well as the features that can help you protect your team and your cargo.

Warehouse safety should be an essential part of your day-to-day operations, and the best way to ensure that safety remains a focus for all employees is to create a safety management plan. Why is warehouse safety so important? Because it can affect so many aspects of the organization, including productivity and efficiency, as well as employee well-being and morale.

Accidents involving forklifts and other material handling equipment are common and can cause significant injuries to both operators and workers. In addition to the detrimental physical impact, the costs associated with any accident can be astronomical.

A forklift is an essential piece of equipment in any warehouse, distribution center or factory. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to efficiently move heavy objects in these environments. The strength and versatility of lift trucks certainly make life easier for the people who work in most industrial settings. However, the power that forklifts provide must be used with a great deal of responsibility.

We often receive questions about operating an electric forklift in various weather conditions. Because these forklifts rely on complex electrical components, it is important to know when and where you can run your electric forklift.

Three frequently asked questions we receive about using electric forklifts in the rain are:

1. Are electric forklifts able to operate in the rain?
2. How waterproof are electric forklifts?
3. What safety precautions should I take in the rain?

Safe + Sound Week, August 13-19, 2018, is a national event sponsored by OSHA to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of safety in the workplace. Successful safety programs help identify hazards before they become dangerous and reduce injury or illness within the company. Whether you do not have a safety program or have had one for years, Safe + Sound has resources and activities for you!

Manual pallet jacks, used to lift and move pallets and other loads, are a great alternative to forklifts. They are smaller, require less upkeep plus operators are not required to be OSHA certified to use one. Although you may not need an official certification, it is important that everyone who uses a pallet jack is familiar with the safest ways to operate the equipment.

According to OSHA, businesses spend approximately $170 billion dollars on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses every year. This is further compounded by the cost of repairing or replacing broken equipment, downtime and reduced productivity. However, with a few simple steps, you will be able to reduce the time and money spent on dealing with the aftermath of workplace accidents.

Promoting a culture of safety is one of the best ways to reduce workplace accidents. This can help prevent accidents before they happen. If everyone is committed to safety, you could see a vast reduction in violations and an increase in morale.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift-related injuries affect almost 100,000 people every year. There are many hazards that can potentially come with managing heavy equipment. As a result, OSHA requires the certification and training of drivers who use these machines. A forklift safety checklist can help keep you and your team on track, but accidents can still occur.

 Here are some of the most common safety issues and how to avoid them: 

We know your warehouse and distribution center is busier than ever. This usually creates additional stress on your operations team and your equipment, making forklift safety extremely important. Take a look at our forklift safety checklist as a good starting point to ensure a smoother and safer operation. These five forklift safety tips will benefit both your forklift equipment and operators.