Top 5 tips for handling a forklift

When it comes to handling a forklift, safety is definitely the most important issue. Thus, it is essential to have a safety plan that should be implemented if there was cause for incident. It is impossible to avoid every accident, but by ensuring adequate training one might reduce the costs, and even the frequency of accidents. Often dictated by Insurance companies, only trained operators can be let loose on your lifting equipment, highlighting the importance that quality training has on your business. You should also keep in mind that these are general rules that should be known by any person who wishes to drive these vehicles, and we ask readers to contact us at Pro-Trainers UK for more advice.

1. The first and most important tip is definitely the training, the emphasis being on educating your employees to understand everything needed in order to stay safe. The Forklift trainers at Pro-Trainers UK will be able to share the essential, salient details, teaching all the necessary rules. When it comes to forklift training, Manchester has the best trainers in this field.

2. Attention. It isn’t enough to keep a low speed during the lifting procedure; extra attention and proper handling of the forklift is also required to optimise safety. For instance, the forks should never be raised during standard operation as they affect the balance of the machine. Damage to the packages could also be a risk, and thus losing clients and profit. Taking this in consideration, one should always instruct the new employees, since they are those who make such mistakes.

3. Speed. The first tip that should be practiced by any forklift driver is definitely the attention to the road, and the management of the speed. Even though Forklift’s don’t boast great speed, it is enough to kill someone. Thus, all drivers require additional attention and the use of the lowest speed possible, especially in the high-risk areas where there is a higher chance of accident.

4. Unloading procedure. Make sure that your employees know all the protocols concerning loading and unloading, and that all the materials are properly wrapped. There are certain risks that should be taken in consideration, and thus you will need to proceed with extra care.

5. Maintenance requirements. Even if it doesn’t seem very important, maintenance is essential in keeping the forklift safe.