Warehouse Safety Tips | Episode 7 | Fork and Lift Truck Safety

Fork and Lift Truck Safety

On today's Podcast - we're going to be covering Fork and Lift Truck Safety.  So stay tuned...

Welcome to Warehouse Safety Tips!

You can find the show notes to each episode, links to information mentioned on the podcast, the social media platforms we're on, and anything else related to the podcast at WarehouseSafetyTips.com.

If you're a seasoned Podcast Listener - this podcast is going to be different from most you listen to.  It's based around exactly what the name implies - Warehouse Safety Tips.  And since the people in that industry are busy - we know time is money, so each episode will be as short and to the point as possible.And now that all that is out of the way - let's get to the Podcast!

On a previous Podcast - we spoke about Rack Safety.  

The second half of that Podcast covered Fork and Lift Truck Safety.  

There's an old Sales Adage that states, a customer must be exposed to a product or service 7 times or more before they're willing to purchase.  With Social Media and changes within sales and marketing - that may have changed.  But the point is - sometimes you need to hear something several times before it sinks in.  So we're going to cover Fork and Lift Truck Safety - just a little bit more.

In addition to wanting the information - and importance of the information to sink in - it's very important to point out some of the stats surrounding this topic.

According to OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - Fork and Lift Trucks account for dozens of deaths and thousands of serious injuries per year. 

Well over a third of those deaths are caused from Fork and Lift Trucks tipping over and crushing the driver.  And although there are certainly cases where it didn't help - the very first way to avoid this happening, is by wearing the proper Safety Belts and/or Harnesses while operating Fork and Lift Trucks.

Do you see a bit of a trend here?  MOST of these injuries and deaths could be avoided.

Before ever getting on and/or operating a Tow or Lift Truck - be certain you've taken and know all the required Safety Training to operate the equipment.  But MOST important - employ your training in your day to day actions - and make sure your co-workers are doing the same.

If you don't know or something seems incorrect - consult a supervisor.

Before moving on - here's a word from one of our sponsors.

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Now back to the Podcast...

Facilities with Loading Docks have one of the higher incident rates among Fork and Lift Trucks.  

These areas are a whirl of hive like activity.  

When you're in these areas - you have several things you really need to be paying attention to.  

To start off with - again, be sure to be wearing the proper Safety Belts and Harnesses.  

Next - pay extra close attention to Safety Signs, Floor Markings, and Lights directing you where and when it's safe to proceed.  

Pay attention to your surroundings by making sure there's no debris, improperly placed materials, and/or slick conditions (Due to oil or water).  

Before attempting to enter a truck - make sure you pay attention to the following, including - but not limited to:  

Make sure you have your lights on and can see in front of you.

Use your horn going in and out of trucks to assure people know you're present.

Look to make sure there are no people and/or other Fork and Lift Trucks already in the truck.

Making sure you have your forks high enough to avoid pushing your pallets along the ground - but low enough to see over it.  Allowing pallets to drag - damages both the pallets and the floor markings.  In addition - having them too high also means your mast is probably heightened - and you're at risk of hitting the top of truck and/or dock door.  

Check to make sure trucks are completely pulled into docks and have brakes / locks applied - as well as dock doors are completely up, before pulling into a truck.  

Pay attention to placement of product to assure everything is safe and secure - not just for the product, but for the driver as well.

And as mentioned in the first part of this Podcast -if you don't know or something seems incorrect - consult a supervisor.

If you visit WarehouseSafetyTips.com - you'll find the Show Notes for this episode.  

Thank you for listening to Episode 7 of Warehouse Safety Tips - and have SAFE day!