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Risks increase significantly when forklifts drive on ramps and slopes. Health and safety managers, warehouse managers, and forklift operators must be especially vigilant when considering these inclined surfaces. Understanding the risks Before diving into the safety protocols, it’s important to…
With great lifting power comes great responsibility—especially when visibility is limited. That’s where the spotter, also known as a points person or banksman, becomes indispensable. Whether you’re operating a small warehouse forklift, a medium-sized machine moving unusual loads, or a…
Cold storage environments pose unique challenges to safety, especially when it comes to operating forklifts. The combination of low temperatures, limited visibility due to condensation, and the risk of ice can lead to hazardous conditions. In this article, we’ll explore…
Pallet racking failure can cause a complete collapse onto a forklift, so let’s have a look at what you can do to prevent it. Forklift operator Make sure your operators have a current forklift licence and are familiar with the…
Loading docks are among the most hazardous areas within any facility. Around a quarter of all facility-related accidents occur at or around the loading dock as there are vehicles moving around, pedestrians and an elevated platform. These accidents include: Loading…
When looking to enhance materials handling operations, it’s common to consider purchasing a brand-new forklift. Modern, state-of-the-art forklifts promise reliability and up-to-date safety features, but they come with a hefty price tag and (sometimes) long delivery times if you can’t…
A forklift personnel cage (also called a work platform or man cage) is an attachment that can be lifted by a forklift to provide a stable platform for working at height. A scissor lift is a self-propelled platform. Companies that…
A work platform, personnel cage or man cage is a forklift attachment that enables a person to be safely lifted. It can be used in place of a scissor lift, although it requires two people: one to be in the…
Four different vehicles, but one risk factor that needs to be considered before operating or lifting with them. The bigger the object being carried, the more wind resistance it creates, so the more force will be exerted on the machine.…
Roads have more uncontrolled dangers than warehouses and factories when it comes to operating a forklift. For this reason, forklift operators must hold both an F endorsement and operator’s certificate, plus the right class of licence (class 1 for forklifts…
Summer presents some major challenges for drivers and machine operators. Here’s how you can stay safe: Fatigue Hot, muggy nights disrupt your sleep, as does an early sunrise. Invest in a low-noise fan and thermometer for your bedroom, and some…
Two of the most common accidents with forklifts are the forklift tipping over, or the load falling off the pallet. Both types of accidents have caused death and injury, and also cause costly damage to the equipment or to the…
A forklift operator job could be part time for some school holiday cash, a lifetime career option, or a stepping stone to other jobs in logistics and warehousing. First, though, you need the right qualifications. What qualifications do you need?…
There are several options for hats for forklift operators. A hard hat is often required where a work area may have falling objects. However, a forklift operator might want to wear a cap with a longer visor or a sun…
Roller doors are an area of risk for forklift operations; collisions with them are frequent. If a forklift hits a roller door, it can bend the door or pull it off its tracks. This might mean that it’s impossible to…
The original battery-powered forklifts used lead acid batteries, and they still make up a large proportion of the sales due to lithium ion batteries being much more expensive. Enhanced lead acid batteries are the most recent development of lead acid…
Shipping containers are usually lifted or moved by one of six vehicles: Empty container handler Loaded container handler (a heavier version of the empty container handler) Reach stacker Crane Straddle carrier Sideloader Forklift The first five usually lift from the…
Are warning lights, alarms and other safety devices legally required to operate a forklift? There are thousands of forklifts still in operation that were purchased over 30 years ago. These are perfectly good forklifts operating in all kinds of capacities.…
What do hydraulic systems do? Hydraulic systems are used to raise, lower, turn, contract, expand, turn and otherwise move attachments and parts of many different types of equipment such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, loaders and truck loader cranes. When an…
Forklifts are driven in environments which can be challenging for the operator, both physically and mentally. Employers (PCBUs) must take measures to reduce the impact of these. Industrial noise WorkSafe’s recommendation for the maximum average noise exposure in an 8-hour…