Forklift hazards and control measures are important to consider when achieving a safe workplace. High standards which are continuously updated should be in place to prevent worker injuries, fatalities and damaged goods.
Before implementing safety and control measures in forklift operations, what are the common hazards, accidents and dangers?
- Operator or pedestrian hit or crushed by a forklift
- Operator or pedestrian hit or crushed by the load
- Operator crushed when a forklift tipped over
Once we identified the common hazards, we can then formulate measures to prevent or minimise their occurrence.
Preventing collisions and unauthorised driving
The three hazards mentioned above might be caused by collisions and unauthorised driving. These can be easily prevented by having reliable alert systems (alerting people when there’s a forklift or pedestrian nearby) and reliable access control (only authorised drivers can operate the equipment).
For example, the EquipManager allows managers and operations engineers to control access in driving a forklift. This ensures only certified drivers operate the equipment (and improve accountability).
While the certified drivers are operating the forklifts, there will be alerts whenever a pedestrian or another forklift is nearby. The drivers will know if there’s an approaching forklift or pedestrian. This is useful in maintaining safety in intersections, narrow aisles, corners and blind spots. The drivers could then slow down or halt to prevent collisions and accidents.
Timely fleet maintenance and proactive management
Aside from preventing collisions and unauthorised driving, timely fleet maintenance is also crucial to ensuring an accident-free workplace. After all, the performance and reliability of forklifts has an effect on safety.
For example, manoeuvring might be harder because of defective control or tires. The driver (who is doing his best to avoid a collision) might make a wrong turn because of difficult or slow manoeuvring. As a result, the collision still occurred because of the defective forklift.
This would have been prevented if there’s an EquipManager installed in the first place. You can define maintenance alerts to ensure the parts and equipment are serviced in a timely manner. Aside from preventing accidents, these maintenance alerts could also reduce downtime and unexpected faults.
Forklift hazards and control measures Sydney
It’s an integrated approach with a combination of proper personnel training, risk mitigation, checklists, timely equipment maintenance and technology.
Here at ShockWatch, we have reliable and economical technologies that promote workplace safety. We have installed systems for small businesses and Fortune 100 corporations that gather and collect real-time data about impacts and usage (which can be used for monitoring, safety and operations improvement).
Contact us today and let us know how we can help with your forklift safety.
