Prevent forklift accidents
Forklifts are vital for logistic operations, but without careful procedures this can result to serious injuries, especially to those who operate them. In fact, British Safety Council (2017) states that roughly 1,300 UK employees are involved in forklift accidents per year. To improve warehouse safety, here are our top 6 tips on how to prevent forklift accidents.
1) Keep warehouse tidy and organised
Having a tidy warehouse goes beyond visual benefits. Neatly stacked shelves, clear aisles and making sure everything is in the correct place can stop trips, falls and forklift accidents. If objects are protruding from shelves or items obstructing aisles, this could pose a serious threat to forklift operators.
There’s no doubt that warehouses get busy from time to time, and stuff can get easily misplaced, but its important for staff to be trained on how to keep the warehouse safe and tidy at all times.
2) Safety warning signs
Signs are a good way of giving visual guidance and alerting people of the dangers in the warehouse. Using these necessary warning signs can reduce the risk of accidents.
Safety warning signs can include:
- First aid
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning: Forklift in operation
- Forklift speed limit
- Keep clear
- Lift correctly
- Caution: pedestrians
3) Waterhog Forklift Mats
You may be familiar with trails of dirt and water near your entrances and/or loading bays. Forklift trucks go in and out of facilities every day to transport goods, but this could increase the risk of accidents, especially in wet weather. Excess dirt and water are attached to the wheels of the forklift and this gets transferred into buildings. However, Waterhog Forklift Mats, guarantee a safer, cleaner warehouse. They work by removing the dirt and water from the wheels of the forklift, to prevent unwanted particles from being tracked inside facilities.
4) Designated footpaths
What also improves warehouse safety standards are designated footpaths for pedestrians. This will help people distinguish dangerous areas and allow an easy flowing traffic system to avoid accidents.
5) Hi-vis clothing
High visibility clothing allows workers to be easily spotted by those operating forklifts. They are commonly used in different industries such as construction, road works and many more. During busy hours, the risk of accidents rises, so it’s important for employees to stand out in the warehouse to avoid collisions.
6) Conduct safety checks regularly and employee training
Regular safety checks are ideal to pick out potential hazards. A checklist could help you carry out this practice. Whether you do these checks daily, weekly or monthly, its crucial to evaluate any unexpected causes that could lead to serious injuries. This will ultimately improve warehouse safety and prevent accidents from occurring.
Referring back to point 1, it’s important for all warehouse staff to be thoroughly trained. Warehouse safety standards, equipment operation, vehicle safety and safety awareness should be taught to staff verbally or written to maintain warehouse cleanliness. In addition, these practices should be revisited to those employees who have been in the position for a long time, as they are likely to forget. Refresher courses in health and safety will benefit everyone within the warehouse.
To further ensure warehouse safety, first aid training comes a long way. Employees that are first aid certified are able to instantly provide medical assistance, including those involved in a forklift accident.
Preventing Forklift Accidents with Waterhog Forklift Mats
Maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing forklift accidents. One of the most effective ways to enhance safety is by using Waterhog forklift mats to keep floors dry. These mats are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges posed by forklifts, ensuring a safer and more productive workspace. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Waterhog forklift mats and why they are essential for preventing forklift accidents.
The Importance of Keeping Floors Dry
Wet and slippery floors are a significant hazard in any warehouse setting. They can lead to forklift accidents, which not only pose a risk to the operators but also to other employees and the stored goods. Wet floors can cause forklifts to lose traction, making it difficult to control the vehicle and increasing the likelihood of collisions and tip-overs. By keeping floors dry, you can significantly reduce the risk of these accidents and create a safer working environment.
What Are Waterhog Forklift Mats?
Waterhog forklift mats are commercial-grade floor mats designed to remove dirt, dust, debris, and moisture from the wheels of forklifts. These mats feature a multi-directional, heavy-duty herringbone pattern and durable rubber edging that hold up well, even in high-traffic areas. The bi-level surface of the mats effectively traps dirt and moisture below the top surface, increasing slip resistance and keeping forklift wheels clean.
Benefits of Using Waterhog Forklift Mats
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Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit of using Waterhog forklift mats is the enhanced safety they provide. By trapping moisture and debris, these mats help prevent slippery conditions that can lead to forklift accidents. The mats are certified slip-resistant by the National Floor Safety Institute, ensuring a safer environment for forklift operations.
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Durability: Waterhog forklift mats are built to withstand the heavy demands of a warehouse environment. They are designed to handle the weight and movement of forklifts, with reinforced rubber nubs and a thick face weight that holds up well to heavy traffic. This durability ensures that the mats remain effective over time, providing long-lasting protection against forklift accidents.
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Easy Maintenance: Maintaining Waterhog forklift mats is straightforward. They can be cleaned by vacuuming, using extraction cleaning methods, or simply hosing them down and allowing them to dry. This ease of maintenance ensures that the mats continue to perform effectively, keeping floors dry and safe.
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Environmental Benefits: Waterhog forklift mats are made from eco-friendly materials, including 100% PET post-consumer recycled fiber and 15% post-consumer recycled tires. By choosing these mats, you are not only enhancing safety but also supporting sustainability efforts.
How to Implement Waterhog Forklift Mats in Your Warehouse
To maximize the benefits of Waterhog forklift mats and prevent forklift accidents, follow these best practices:
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Strategic Placement: Place the mats in high-traffic areas where forklifts frequently operate, such as loading docks, entryways, and pathways. Ensure that the mats cover the entire area where moisture and debris are likely to accumulate.
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Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and inspect the mats to ensure they remain effective. Replace any worn or damaged mats promptly to maintain a safe environment.
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Employee Training: Educate forklift operators and other employees on the importance of keeping floors dry and using the mats correctly. Encourage them to report any issues with the mats or floor conditions immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preventing forklift accidents is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient warehouse environment. Waterhog forklift mats provide an effective solution by keeping floors dry and reducing the risk of slips and collisions. Their durability, ease of maintenance, and environmental benefits make them a valuable addition to any warehouse. By strategically placing these mats and ensuring regular maintenance, you can create a safer workspace and protect your employees and assets from the dangers of forklift accidents. Invest in Waterhog forklift mats today and experience the difference they can make in enhancing safety and productivity.
Need more advice? Please call 0121 313 6748 or email sales@mats4u.co.uk.
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