Outriggers are the two legs that extend forward from the base of a walkie stacker, reach truck, or stand-up counterbalance forklift. They run along either side of where the load sits. They’re sometimes called straddle legs or stabilising legs. The…
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…
There are five main types of pallet jack operation that causes damage or injuries to freight or operators: The risks can be reduced by ensuring your team has had electric pallet jack training and manual handling training. Incidents caused by…
At the end of a shift, a pallet jack operator should make sure the pallet jack is placed in a safe area. If it’s an electric walkie, keys should be stored in a safe place. They can be a hazard…
Electric and manual pallet jacks have a load rating, just like forklifts. It’s essential that your operators understand how to read them and that they make sure in their pre-operation inspections that the load plate is present and readable. Every…
Pallet jack operators, whether it’s an electric pallet jack or a manual one, can move up to two tonnes at a time and, like any humans, they look for shortcuts. These might not be ‘best practice’, though, so we have…
Almost all pallet jack operators will be using the equipment on relatively flat, level ground, predominantly in a warehouse or store, but occasionally in a yard or on exposed docks. It’s important that operators understand the hazards and are aware…
Some pallet jacks are capable of carrying 2000kg and this weight creates a risk of injury. The majority of pallet jacks, electric or manual, require the operator to walk along with them, and many operators will be lifting goods on…
Even though the humble pallet jack might be small, it can carry a surprising amount of weight – up to two tonnes in some cases. If it’s an electric pallet jack or ‘walkie’, these can be 300-400kg on top of…
To maintain a paper trail to provide to WorkSafe in the event of an incident involving the operation of walkies or pallet jacks, there are four documents which will help: Pedestrian-operated forklift operator’s certificate or equivalent – This says that…
