Forklifts are one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move freight in the workplace, but they’re also one of the most dangerous if you don’t use them properly. Here are five tips to prevent forklift accidents in your workplace 

1) Make sure your training sticks 

Forklifts can be dangerous equipment and an accident can cause a lot of damage. To prevent accidents, make sure your employees are trained well on forklift safety. The more they know about how to operate a forklift, where it is safe to drive them, and what kind of hazards may present themselves during regular use, then they are less likely to suffer injury. Other safety measures should include good lighting in high-traffic areas and removing potential tripping hazards around material storage or retrieval points. Plus, perform routine maintenance on your forklifts so there aren’t any malfunctions that could potentially lead to an accident.  

Remember: Every day you don’t see any accidents is still one step closer toward preventing one from happening at all!  

2) Know Your Equipment 

The last thing you want is for your forklift to stop working in a warehouse jam-packed with boxes. So make sure you know what you’re doing! Before using a forklift, familiarize yourself with all its safety features and functions—not just how it operates but also what it’s supposed to look like when it’s operating correctly. If you can, take a hands-on training course or read up on operator manuals before getting behind the wheel. And be aware of any pre-existing defects with your equipment; while they might not be obvious at first glance, they could turn out to be highly dangerous over time. 

3) Plan Ahead 

Each year, thousands of people are injured in forklift accidents at work. While most of these injuries aren’t fatal, they can easily cause long-term disabilities or leave you out of work for months on end. When it comes to forklift safety, you should always plan ahead. By planning ahead, you may avoid an accident altogether or be able to quickly react when an accident does occur. 

4) Train Employees Effectively 

A forklift license is mandatory to operate a forklift in Australia. Make sure that your employees know how and when to use a forklift, as well as its controls and limitations. The best way to prevent forklift accidents is through thorough employee training. Also make sure your employees know about hazards in your facility, such as wet floors or slippery conditions, which can cause serious accidents if not addressed. Finally, always implement a testing procedure for new employees—you never want someone unfamiliar with your equipment operating it.   

5) Take Safety Seriously 

Employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe on and off the job, including providing regular forklift safety training. In order for training to be effective, employers should incorporate a number of different training strategies, including discussion groups, hands-on practice, and performance evaluations. Employers should also ensure that their forklifts are always in good working condition and, when necessary, schedule maintenance checks. Skilled operators who understand how to use their equipment safely can significantly reduce workplace accidents and injuries.