Forklifts are an essential part of many warehouses, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. In fact, forklift accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in warehouses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 35,000 forklift-related injuries in the United States in 2019, and over 800 of those injuries were fatal.
The good news is that there are a number of things that warehouse managers can do to reduce the risk of forklift accidents. By taking these steps, warehouse managers can save money on workers’ compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity.
Here are some of the things that warehouse managers can do to reduce the risk of forklift accidents:
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Provide proper training to forklift operators. Forklift operators must be trained in the safe operation of forklifts. This training should include topics such as forklift safety rules, proper lifting techniques, and how to avoid hazards in the warehouse.
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Require forklift operators to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots, can help to protect forklift operators from injuries in the event of an accident.
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Inspect forklifts regularly. Forklifts should be inspected regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Any problems should be repaired immediately.
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Create a safe work environment. Warehouses should be free of hazards that could cause forklift accidents. This includes things like uneven floors, narrow aisles, and cluttered walkways.
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Enforce safety rules. Warehouse managers must enforce safety rules to ensure that forklift operators are following safe practices. This may include things like requiring operators to wear seatbelts, prohibiting operators from texting while driving, and prohibiting operators from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Include forklift safety system technologies. There are an increasing number of smart solutions on the market that will materially impact warehouse safety in a positive way, for example by preventing pedestrian collisions using AI-powered people detection technology.
By taking these steps, warehouse managers can reduce the risk of forklift accidents and save money in the long run.
In addition to the financial benefits, reducing the risk of forklift accidents can also improve the safety of warehouse workers. Forklift accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and even death. By taking steps to reduce the risk of accidents, warehouse managers can help to protect their workers from harm.
If you are a warehouse manager, we encourage you to take steps to reduce the risk of forklift accidents. By doing so, you can save money and improve the safety of your workers.
To enable warehouse manaagers to reduce the risk of forklift accidents in their operations, VIA has developed VIA Mobile360 FSS (Forklift Safety System), a rugged and flexible solution that supports AI-powered pedestrian detection and driver behavior monitoring. The complementary VIA WorkX Connect Cloud Management Service enables you to track vehicle utilization, driver behavior, and a host of other metrics using a single dashboard. Deploying the VIA Mobile360 FSS and VIA WorkX Connect Cloud Management Service across your forklift fleet creates a safer work environment for your valuable employees and prevents costly accidents and injuries.