Safety No Horseplay

Horseplay and Its Unintended Consequences

We all want to have fun at work and one of the best ways to build employee relations is to share a laugh. It reduces stress, makes a team more cohesive and can improve productivity. However, having a laugh and engaging in “forklift horseplay” – actions that are frivolous and rough – are two different […]

Forklift Operator Training Image

How Important is a Forklift Operator Seat Belt?

Seat belts save lives, which is why their usage is not an option. A forklift seat belt helps to prevent the most common human reaction during a tip-over … to jump! An operator’s panicked attempt to get away puts him at great risk for being crushed under a multi-ton machine. Forklift Tip-Overs Tip-over accidents claim, […]

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Forklift Seat Belt Requirement

What safety precautions are required if we own a forklift designed prior to the seat belt requirement? OSHA does not directly address seat belt requirements in federal regulation 1910.178. When the law does not directly answer an issue, OSHA letters of interpretation become the next resource to offer a clearer explanation. Forklift Seat Belt Retro-Fit Kit Seat […]

forklift fleet management

Taking Advantage of Your Forklift Equipment Delivery

Your forklift is being unloaded off the delivery truck. The dealer’s equipment specialist is also at your facility to ensure a successful arrival and answer questions. While it’s quicker to sign off on the delivery paperwork and get back to your daily tasks, now is also an opportunity to learn more about your forklift. Forklift […]

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OSHA Law & Its Intent

As an appointed company trainer or supervisor, you will periodically receive calls or emails regarding job safety. While it’s easy to give a short answer, don’t miss your opportunity to show concern, educate the person asking and dig deeper to learn why the question was asked. “For me, the answer I give is not fully […]

forklift operator seat

Damaged Forklift Operator Seats

Can you imagine riding in your car on a torn seat during an 8-hour road trip? When we do not periodically replace damaged forklift operator seats, we are essentially asking the same of our operators – every shift, every day. How does a damaged forklift operator seat affect production? Forklift Operator Ergonomics The loss of the […]

forklift accident

Overloading a Forklift

Some might say, “If the rear tires of the forklift are on the ground, it can handle the load you are attempting to pick up.” However, this statement is proven untrue with every tip-over. Understanding the basic design of a counterbalance forklift will help increase operator safety. 80/20 Forklift Design Regardless of the forklift manufacturer, […]

forklift tail swing

Is Damaged Forklift Paint a Sign of Something More?

What message does this picture of damaged forklift paint convey? Is it “normal” or a sign of a larger problem? If your teenager’s car looked like the forklift in the picture, would you be concerned about his or her safety? Damaged Forklifts Mean Damaged Products Decimated paint tells a truth we cannot ignore. Paint is […]

Genie self propelled articulating boom lift

The Benefits of Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts can make a difference in your company’s day to day operation. There is a broad spectrum of models with a variety of lift heights suitable for almost any work environment. When choosing an aerial lift, some aspects to consider are indoor vs. outdoor applications, vertical and horizontal reach of platform and lifting capacities. […]

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Remove Forklift Hazards with Forklift Pedestrian Awareness

Forklifts and pedestrians often work in close proximity. Fatal forklift accident statistics prove that pedestrians are getting: Crushed between the forklift and an object Crushed between two vehicles Struck or run over As a pedestrian in a forklift environment, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself safe. This is a key reason to train each pedestrian […]

forklift load backrest

Removing the Forklift Load Backrest

The forklift load backrest can be the highest point of the forklift. Trailer tops, rack systems, lights, HVAC, sprinkler systems and other overhead obstructions come in contact with load backrests. Can you remove the forklift load backrest? If an object above the forklift gets hit, do you blame the load backrest – or the operator? […]

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Forklift Safety and Warehouse Housekeeping

Forklifts are used in various environments. They are exposed to shrink wrap, banding materials and other debris from the manufacturing and warehouse process, which makes housekeeping important to the safe and proper operation of a forklift. Warehouse Housekeeping OSHA CFR1910.143(a)(3) Housekeeping. All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature […]