Safety precautions for cold weather should be taken very seriously. According to the OSHA, 11% of all forklifts are involved in some type of accident every year and with winter posing numerous hazards, it is imperative that equipment and areas are maintained correctly and operators are aware of how to deal with the hazards. Any outdoor area where equipment is operated must be clear of any ice to prevent slips and slides and you should ensure you have suitable stocks of salt or grit.

One of the biggest problems faced by warehouse operations during the winter is battery capacity which can be lessened significantly by cold temperatures. This means that engine powered trucks may have trouble starting and electric forklifts can die quicker. To prevent this, it is best to store equipment indoors, especially overnight. 

Another part affected by cold temperatures is the engine. Make sure coolant systems have an appropriate concentration of anti-freeze to prevent engines from seizing up. For diesel trucks, we recommend using thinner diesel for winter, as this allows forklifts to withstand much lower temperatures before waxing, which occurs when the heavier component of the fuel freezes at lower temperatures, which could lead to breakdowns. For electric forklifts, be sure to check the batteries and charging system to ensure optimal performance.

Lastly, it’s just not your forklifts that might need a little extra care and attention during the colder months, but your operators. Make sure your team have warm and comfortable clothing and consider fitting canopies to trucks that don’t have cabs to keep your operators dry when working in wet conditions.

The Welfaux Winter Preparation Checklist:

• Are your trucks due for a service? Ensure your maintenance is up to date and book in a service today.
• Are your operators familiar with working in icy conditions? It’s not too late to book in some additional training if they need a refresher.
• Do all the truck lights work?
• Do the windscreen wipers operate correctly?
• Are oils and lubricants topped up?
• Do the tyres need replacing?
• Are there any hydraulic hose leaks?

For more information on how to get winter ready, visit our website or get in touch today .