When mounting or dismounting a forklift you should do the following things:
- Face the forklift
- Avoid jumping off (applies when boarding and dismounting)
- Always practice a 3-point stance (2 hands and one foot, or 2 feet and one hand are always in contact with the vehicle)
- Always wear safety shoes and suitable clothing
- Avoid slips by first checking the floor if there are spills or debris (when mounting and dismounting)
- Check surroundings if there’s another vehicle or pedestrian nearby
Combination of training and technology
Adequate training can minimise injuries and accidents in the warehouse (especially when operating material handling equipment). Proper documentation will help keep the practice consistent. In case an accident occurs, the staff can refer to the documentation for analysis. They can then initiate changes to further minimise workplace accidents.
Aside from training, effective technologies can also help reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace. Technology and training work hand in hand to improve efficiency, operation and safety.
For instance, the Pedestrian Alert System (PAS) provides proximity warning that prevents accidents between forklift trucks and pedestrians. This is valuable when operators are driving or when they’re about to park the vehicle.
Another example is in the use of Optafleet wherein only certified drivers are allowed to operate the vehicles. Aside from encouraging accountability, the device also improves safety because only trained drivers are performing material transfer tasks.
Prepare a checklist for reference before, during and after shift
Checklists are valuable in ensuring safety and proper operation. They’re often used by surgeons, pilots and other professionals.
It’s also the case with the operation of forklift trucks. Drivers often refer to a pre-shift safety checklist. This can be in the form of physical document. Or more conveniently, the checklist can also be accessible through an audio-visual display. Managers and engineers can configure the checklist depending on the requirements of the task or warehouse operations.
Safety when mounting or dismounting a forklift
It starts with adequate training and the use of effective technologies. These will further improve the safety in your facility while also accomplishing the following things:
- Improve productivity (minimal interruptions)
- Minimise downtime (prevent collisions and truck repairs)
- Better employee satisfaction (safe workplace)
- Smooth operations (focus on the task at hand)
- Continuous improvement (managers and engineers can better focus on making operations more efficient)
These can all begin with the proper technology installed in the warehouse. That’s why here at ShockWatch, we specialise in the prevention of accidents and damages in the workplace. We have fleet management and accident prevention solutions that improve safety and productivity.
Contact us today if you want to further improve safety in your warehouse operations. We’ve already worked with small businesses and multi-national corporations.
