Capital Equipment News January 2023

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – FORKLIFT SAFETY

A new year to prioritise forklift safety

By Shaun Collins, Chief Operating Officer of Masslift Africa

Shaun Collins, Chief Operating Officer of Masslift Africa

A s the new year begins, now is the perfect time for industries using forklifts to prioritise safety and prevent common mistakes made by forklift operators. At Masslift Africa, the sole distributor of Mitsubi shi forklifts in Southern Africa, we are committed to providing our customers with high-performing, cost-efficient, and robust forklifts they can trust. But we also know that safety is a top priority, which is why we are dedicated to educating our customers on best practices and helping them avoid common mistakes made by forklift operators. Some simple steps that industries can take to improve forklift safety in the new year include: 1. Load Test Compliance Certificate must

be valid and passed. 2. Operators must have a valid license to operate the equipment. 3. Ensure the full daily checklist is completed between each shift. 4. Perform a daily check of all tyres to ensure they are in good working condition. 5. Follow recommended speed limits set by your company to reduce the risk of accidents. 6. Check the battery levels and cables regularly to prevent issues. 7. Ensure the brakes are always in proper working condition. 8. Use indicators to signal turning direction and using hand signals as a backup if necessary. 9. Know the maximum capacity of the

forklift, and the weight and length of the load, so as as not to overload the forklift. 10. Wear protective gear like hard hats, safety glasses, and high visibility clothing. 11. Avoiding distractions like texting or using a phone while driving. 12. Follow proper operating procedures, such as securing loads properly, driving with the load against the front face of the forks so as not to ‘tip handle’ and never drive with the forks more than 30 cm off the ground. By implementing these safety measures and being mindful of common mistakes, industries can create a safer work environment, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve productivity in the new year. b

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