Whether you’re talking about safety at home or at the workplace, or just about any place in-between, safety and common sense have a lot in common. The same is true when it comes to operating your forklift safely. Taking the time to think about what you are doing can not only help you work smarter, it can help you work safer.
On a forklift, safety starts before you even climb aboard.
We’ve discussed this before, but it starts with every forklift operator getting training and a license to operate the lift. You can get the training you need at a variety of place, check with your Atlantic Forklift Services rep to guide you to the best training available.
When you get dressed before your shift, dress appropriately for operating a forklift. This usually means a hard hat, steel-toed shoes and some sort of reflective vest or jacket. Don’t wear anything that’s really loose, it can get snagged in machinery, and keep your hands and the steering wheel free from grease.
Before you climb on board, take a walk around the forklift. Check your tires, brakes, warning devices and lights. Check the mast to make sure it’s free from debris and anything that may prevent it from extending.
If anything on the lift needs repair, stop right now. Notify management- the forklift should not be operated if it needs to be repaired.
Assuming everything is both hunky and dory, climb on board. Don’t be a hero- use the steps and the handles to help you take your place. One slip and you could miss some work and no one wants that.
Before you crank it up, check the settings and controls and make sure everything is in place, in reach, and the seat is in the position that works best for you.
Fasten your safety belt. Arms and legs inside.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.
We know that’s a lot to consider before you even turn the key but if you make that your daily routine, before too much longer it will become second-nature and you will become a safer forklift operator.
Next time, we get to actually drive the lift and pick up a load safely. When it comes to operating your forklift safely, you can’t cut corners.
As always, we’re here. Check with your Atlantic Forklift Services rep for more information.