While most warehouses have a lot of automation technology, forklift operators and other workers still play an important role in day-to-day material handling. It remains important to make sure that your warehouse is safe and injury-free for optimum production and profitability as well as a good reputation in the industry. Connecting with a forklift dealer or rental service that offers well-maintained forklift trucks also helps to ensure safe operations. Accurate Forklift is one of the leading forklift rental service providers when it comes to offering a forklift rental fleet that is in mint condition, attractive deals, and a great deal of flexibility. Continuing on the subject, we share four common warehouse accident causes and how you can prevent them. Read on.
1. Problem: Trips And Spills: According to OSHA, spills and trips contribute about 25% to the majority of general industry accidents. Most of these accidents can be prevented.
Solution: The first thing is to add trips and spills hazards to your checklist. Makes sure that the warehouse is well organized and not covered in spills, stray cords, and disorganized packing materials. Cover cracks or pits on the floor that could trip workers or damage equipment. Use a non-skid floor coating for stairway surfaces that are regularly wet.
2. Problem: Dangerous Energy: A release of stored energy from the forklift, sudden energizing, or start-ups can cause serious injuries and even loss of life.
Solution: Unauthorized workers must be prevented from operating forklifts that are in need of forklift service. An easy solution to a potentially serious problem is to practice a lockout system so that forklifts can only release energy when it is being safely used.
3. Problem: Falls: According to OSHA, accidents from falls contribute 15 percent of general industry accidents. Almost half of the warehouse fall injuries occur from 15 feet or lower.
Solution: It is important to prevent workers from using ladders to climb to top racks to pick up materials. Make sure to use an automated system or some other retrieval mechanism such as a forklift.
4. Problem: Ergonomics: According to OSHA, unprofessional lifting and poor design of operations can result in musculoskeletal injuries in workers.
Solution: Promote ergonomics safety to help material handling workers to have long, healthy careers. It is important to reward workers who religiously follow ergonomics best practices that include proper use of equipment to handle heavy materials. It is advised to buy backrests, anti-vibration seat cushions, and other ergonomics devices for forklift trucks.
The Final Word
Apart from the above-listed warehouse safety procedures, it is important to create a safety committee so that workers can participate and help improve safety in and around the warehouse. Connect with Accurate Forklift for all your forklift rental service requirements. We have a huge fleet featuring all the popular makes and models at attractive rates. For answers to all your questions about our forklift rental services or help to fulfill your requirements, call 770-692-1455 or email rentals@accurateforklift.net.
