Prevent Forklift Skidding: How to Keep Your Warehouse Safe
When forklifts move in and out of a warehouse or factory, they bring in all sorts of dirt, water, and debris on their wheels. This can make both the forklift’s tyres and the warehouse floor slippery, increasing the risk of skidding. The problem becomes even more severe on wet, rainy days when the amount of water and dirt tracked inside is significantly higher.
While much attention is given to the risk of pedestrians slipping on wet and slippery warehouse floors, it’s equally important to consider the danger posed to forklifts and their operators. Wet and contaminated floors reduce traction, making it difficult for forklifts to stop in time—just like a car on a wet road. If a forklift skids or aquaplanes, it can cause serious accidents in busy warehouses and factories.
With forklifts transporting heavy goods, the last thing you need is an uncontrolled skid that could damage products, fixtures, or even injure a worker. Below, we provide a guide on how to prevent forklift skidding and maintain a safer work environment.
1. Have Clearly Marked Walkways and Crossings for Pedestrians
Creating designated pedestrian walkways within a warehouse or factory is essential to keeping foot traffic separate from forklift paths. These walkways should be clearly marked with high-visibility signage and durable floor markings to ensure both pedestrians and forklift operators are aware of their respective zones.
If your warehouse is particularly prone to wet floors, you may also consider installing physical barriers between pedestrian and forklift paths to reduce the risk of accidents. By keeping pedestrians away from high-risk areas, you significantly lower the chances of accidents caused by skidding forklifts.
2. Taking Extra Care on Wet Days
Wet conditions increase the risk of forklifts losing control. Forklift drivers should be trained to take additional precautions during rainy weather, including:
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Driving at reduced speeds to allow for safer stopping distances.
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Being extra cautious when making turns, as slippery floors increase the likelihood of skidding.
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Regularly checking the condition of their tyres to ensure they maintain adequate grip.
By enforcing these measures, you help to prevent unnecessary accidents caused by loss of traction.
3. Drying the Tyres Using Forklift Matting
One of the primary causes of forklift skidding is wet tyres combined with wet floors, which creates a significant loss of traction. More often than not, the floor becomes wet due to forklifts continuously bringing in water on their wheels.
The most effective way to tackle this issue is by using Forklift Matting at entrances and exits. These mats work by scraping and wiping forklift wheels clean of dirt, water, and debris before they enter the warehouse, preventing the spread of moisture and contaminants. By keeping forklift tyres dry, these mats drastically reduce the chances of skidding inside the warehouse.
4. Ensuring Proper Drainage at Warehouse Entrances
A good drainage system near warehouse doors can help prevent water from being tracked inside. During rainy weather, water can accumulate at entry points, increasing the likelihood of forklifts bringing it in. Installing effective drainage solutions, such as grated drains or sloped entryways, will help channel water away from key access points, keeping the warehouse floor dry and reducing slip hazards.
5. Regular Floor Maintenance and Cleaning
Routine floor maintenance plays a crucial role in preventing forklift skidding. Warehouse floors should be cleaned regularly to remove any accumulated dirt, oil, or moisture that could compromise traction. Consider using industrial-grade floor scrubbers with non-slip cleaning agents to maintain optimal floor conditions.
Additionally, inspecting the warehouse floor for uneven surfaces or worn-out coatings is essential. If cracks or dips are present, they should be repaired promptly to prevent areas where water can pool, further increasing skid risks.
6. Using Waterhog Forklift Mats to Prevent Forklift Skidding
One of the most effective solutions for preventing forklifts from skidding is using Waterhog Forklift Mats. These innovative mats are specifically designed to:
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Scrape and wipe forklift tyres clean of moisture, dirt, and debris.
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Reduce the spread of contaminants into the warehouse, keeping floors dry and safe.
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Provide excellent traction for forklift tyres, minimising the risk of skidding.
These mats should be placed at all forklift entry points and in high-risk areas where water and dirt are commonly tracked inside. By integrating these mats into your warehouse’s safety plan, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of skidding incidents and ensure a safer working environment.
Final Thoughts
Preventing forklift skidding is essential for maintaining workplace safety and protecting employees, products, and warehouse infrastructure. By implementing solutions such as designated walkways, proper drainage, floor maintenance, and Waterhog Forklift Mats, you can effectively reduce the risks associated with slippery warehouse floors.
If you have further questions about forklifts bringing dirt and water into your warehouse or need assistance in choosing the right mats for your facility, our team at Mats4U is here to help. Call us on 0121 313 6748 or email us at sales@mats4u.co.uk for expert advice. You can also explore our range of Forklift Mats on our website here.
