Jun 21, 2022

Ensuring forklift safety and worker safety is vital when warehousing and manufacturing operations are more demanding. While forklifts are essential warehouse equipment, taking steps to maximize forklift safety can secure your workers and create smoother workflows. According to OSHA, with the right training policies, about 70% of forklift accidents can be prevented.

Studies also show that 90% of pallet rack failures are caused by forklifts. Higher pallet rack failure causes higher hazards to worker safety and severely diminishes workforce productivity. Studies also indicate that 84% of decision-makers feel it would be safe to have warehouse associates work alongside robotics or automation solutions. Without proper training and innovative automation solutions that can increase forklift safety, workers could be more susceptible to danger and workflow efficiency can plummet. Warehouses combat this with experienced training policies and fortified hardware solutions.

How are warehouses working towards forklift safety? 

Increasing forklift safety secures your workers and improves warehouse efficiency. Fortified safety is possible with proper training and hardware solutions that minimize errors and reduce accidents. Heartland specializes in helping businesses optimize their automation solutions to better secure worker safety. Here are some tips to ensure your forklifts are properly safety:

1. Ensure all employees are educated and certified - Studies show that proper training and education severely deters accidents. Developing and implementing a training program based on safer principles can reduce potential hazards in the workplace and meet regulations.
   
2. Be aware of and prepared for your work environment - Improper data access and a lack of awareness in the workplace can be detrimental to the safety of your employees and the efficiency of your workplace. Many errors and accidents occur because an operator is not paying attention. Workers can practice mindfulness by paying attention to where they are going and they can stay prepared for their environments with the right tools. Practicing mindfulness helps your workers stay more aware of their environments. Furthermore, hands-free BARCODE SOLUTIONS deliver rugged durability and fast data capture so your workers can stay prepared in them without taking their eyes off their workflows. The combination of effective training and the right tools ensures that your workers are safe and prepared for a full shift.
   
3. Perform regular maintenance checks - Maintaining your forklift and hardware not only extends device lifecycles and reduces downtime, but it also ensures warehouse safety. Regular maintenance managed through a dedicated team safeguards your employees against problems. Daily inspections with Heartland can help your operators identify operational issues so they can be better prepared for future challenges and demands.
   
4. Properly store your devices and forklift - Another way to promote forklift safety and prevent accidents is to properly store devices after use. Forklifts should be parked on a flat surface and devices should be on charging docks. Make sure that your forklift's parking brakes are engaged, and forks are flush to the ground.

Reliable worker safety not only ensures your workflows run smoothly but also protects your most valuable assets: your workers. As the supply chain becomes evermore rapid and dynamic, worker safety cannot be compromised. Learn more about how you can enable faster operations without hindering safety protocols when you contact our automation teams.