Unsafe forklift operations are one of the biggest safety hazards in warehouses. Every year, forklifts are involved in 11% of accidents and are responsible for 100,000 injuries worldwide according to OSHA Safety Management. Whether due to improper training or lack of maintenance, forklifts can cause damage, injury, or even death when used improperly. That’s why regular maintenance and operational checks of forklifts are extremely important. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that forklifts be inspected daily. In order to create a safe warehouse, make sure you look for these issues when conducting a pre-operational inspection:
Safety checklists may seem like repetitive or even unnecessary actions; however, using them not only helps the safety of your employees, but they also positively influence the overall function of your warehouse itself.
There are a variety of general checklists that are offered to companies to ensure warehouse safety. OSHA provides safety checklists that correspond to laws and regulations that help keep employees working in their workspace safe. Following the checklists that they offer will help guide your warehouse’s general safety. These checklists also assess employees to ensure they are properly handling materials and equipment and following procedures set by the warehouse.
Following equipment specific checklists for machinery such as forklifts can help avoid potential safety concerns. Operating forklifts pose numerous hazards and daily checklists make sure forklifts are functioning properly to help prevent issues or injuries. This is an important and essential step to reduce dangerous situations for your employees.
By creating your own company specific checklists, you are helping to ensure the safety of your operation and employees. Tailoring checklists to your own work environment, such as a warehouse, ensures nothing was missed by a generalized list. By including employees in the process, discussion and feedback can result in even stronger safety protocols. Evaluating safety checklists periodically helps to cover all areas, making sure nothing is left unsafe.
So you know you need one, but not sure what key items your forklift daily checklist should include? We are here to help. In order to create a safe warehouse, make sure you look for these issues when conducting a pre-operational inspection:
Carefully look over the entire forklift for any cracks, leaks, or defects. This includes, but is not limited to, the overhead guard, lift chains and rollers, forks, mast assembly, and hydraulic cylinders. If anything seems amiss, call someone to repair it. Ignoring a leak or possible damage and operating the forklift isn’t worth the risk of injury to an employee.
Any problems with the safety equipment could put the lives of your employees at risk. Seatbelts should fasten securely and be free of any tears or fraying. You’ll also want to test the brakes, steering, horn, and front, tail, and brake lights.
It is important to ensure that forklifts have enough battery fluid, water, and hydraulic fluid to operate safely at all times. When forklifts are driven in an industrial environment, there is also a risk of punctured tires. Since daily wear and tear can cause tires to deflate, measure the tire pressure and watch out for any slashes or nails.
In addition to pre-operational checks, forklifts should undergo further inspection and maintenance based on days, months, or hours of operation. The following are the best practices for conducting more comprehensive maintenance checks:
Conduct forklift maintenance or service in safe conditions:
After making sure the area is clean, begin servicing the vehicle:
Linde Material Handling is trusted worldwide and prides itself on offering specific solutions for your organization to help you take your business to the next level. Those solutions include tips and strategies to ensure your operation is functioning at peak performance and that your operators have the tools they need to succeed.
This checklist is just a starting point for conducting appropriate forklift maintenance inspections. For more information on inspecting a Linde Material Handling lift truck or to get a quote contact us.
