Month: April 2018

FORKLIFT DESIGNS AND THEIR GROWING OPERATORS

Posted on by Chris Welsher

IS SIZE AN ISSUE IN FORKLIFT DESIGNS?

Over the last few decades people have been getting bigger. Not just in height either…and that includes fork lift operators. But are forklift designers including that in their calculations?

A CHANGING POPULATION MEANS AN ON-GOING NEED TO REDEFINE WHAT WE THINK OF AS ‘THE NORM’ IN THE WORKPLACE.

Forty years ago, the average shoe size was two sizes smaller than it is today. Where once a size 12 or 13/46 or › Read More

STAY ON THE BALL FOR SAFETY THIS SUMMER

Posted on by Chris Welsher

Staying Safe in the Sun this Summer

With temperatures hitting 30 degree’s today, summer is finally here. So we thought it would be good to write an article on how you can make sure your forklift operators are safe in the sun. For many forklift operators, working outdoors on a warm, sunny day can be a very attractive aspect of the job. But don’t let the sunshine and fresh air be a distraction – the yard › Read More

Safer Site Essentials FOUR: Trucks

Posted on by Chris Welsher
To be safe, a fork lift truck needs three things: to be right for the job, to be well looked-after, and to be checked thoroughly before use. Things to do…

Survey Your Sites and Choose the Right Trucks

Different working environments require different trucks. The design, for instance, warehouse equipment like reach trucks and stackers means they’re not appropriate for outdoor use. Counterbalance trucks are, but only really on smooth and level surfaces. And ventilation is important when using › Read More

Safer Site Essentials THREE: Site

Posted on by Chris Welsher
Creating a safer site environment in which your trucks and people work, is imperative and is a big factor in eliminating risk. Here are the main elements to consider.

Remove Layout and Design Risks

  • Try and segregate pedestrians and trucks as much as possible, and make sure any crossing points are clear and well signposted
  • Similarly aisles should be wide, free of obstacles and ideally one-way
  • Consider speed and the use of wall-mounted mirrors to enhance visibility
  • Minimize the › Read More

Safer Site Essentials TWO: Operators

Posted on by Chris Welsher
A fork lift truck is only as safe as the person using it. For this reason the safety awareness of your operators is critical. Things to do…

Identify and Carry Out Training

It is imperative you do this for ALL Operators… and, ideally, colleagues who work around them too. It’s important that your fork lift operators – even if they only use a truck occasionally – are trained by properly qualified instructors with current qualifications. This can be either an Accredited Instructor › Read More