It’s a question that doesn’t get asked often enough. When we think about forklift safety, our minds typically jump to the big-ticket items: seatbelts, pedestrian management, load stability, and tip-overs. Eye protection rarely makes the list. Yet the reality is…
LPG cylinders are designed to be robust, but they are not indestructible. In many workplaces, cylinder damage doesn’t come from dramatic incidents; it comes from everyday handling, storage, and use. Understanding what causes LPG cylinder damage helps prevent leaks, injuries,…
Here’s a statistic that might surprise you: a significant number of injuries to truck drivers, forklift operators, and heavy machinery operators happen before they even start the engine. It’s not the driving that gets them. It’s getting in and out.…
Ask any warehouse worker what causes back injuries and they’ll probably talk about heavy boxes. Maybe awkward loads. Perhaps rushing to meet a deadline. But here’s something that often gets overlooked: the height you’re lifting from and to has just…
Some forklift unit standards are being replaced by forklift skill standards. Current unit standards expire in December 2027, but skill standards can be used before then. Skill standards are another way of defining a set of learning objectives and assessment…
There’s a lot of confusion about what unit standards you need to operate a forklift, including one with attachments. The answer is none, unless you drive a forklift on the road, in which case you’ll need an F endorsement (unit…
When you’re operating machinery like excavators, loaders, truck loader cranes and forklifts, the sounds your hydraulic pumps make can tell you a lot about how your machine is running. Just like a doctor listens to your heartbeat, experienced operators listen…
If you have an F endorsement do you need to do the forklift operator’s (OSH) certificate? Yes. The F endorsement means that you’ve successfully completed a theory and practical test related to driving on the road, and you only have…
Understanding the legal requirements for operating heavy machinery in New Zealand is important for employers, workers, and workplace safety. The Health and Safety at Work Regulations set clear guidelines about young persons operating machinery, with specific age restrictions designed to…
If you’re a supervisor of forklift operators, you have obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You can’t plead that you sent your operators to a training course off-site and use that as an excuse for poor…
The oil and gas industry is known for its high-risk environments, where safety is paramount. From drilling rigs to refineries and distribution centres, the need to handle heavy materials and equipment efficiently is critical. Forklifts play a vital role in…
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 or people working nearby, 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…
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…
The importance of manual handling safety is often discussed in the context of the farming, healthcare and construction sectors. However, it’s equally critical to address the risks faced by truck drivers and machine operators, such as forklift operators. These professions…
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, safety 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…
