Thoughtful management of your material handling facility will improve workflow and keep employees safe. A forklift safely transports loads when it’s driven by a trained operator in an organized facility. But forklifts can become dangerous without proper handling procedures and supervision. Learn these useful tips for reducing forklift accidents.

Properly Charge and Store the Battery

Properly charging and storing lead-acid forklift batteries helps ensure their performance. A battery in poor condition is an unreliable power source. If your lift truck fails to start or experiences an intermittent power loss, these problems can indicate an overheating forklift battery.

Overheated lead-acid batteries can create a dangerous buildup of gas that could lead to an explosion. At the first sign of overheating, stop using the battery until it’s deemed safe for use.

Only trained personnel should handle lead-acid batteries. Workers should wear splash-proof goggles, gloves, and aprons to protect against sulfuric acid spills during charging.

Ensure Personnel Wear PPE

Another tip to help reduce forklift accidents is to have forklift operators and other personnel wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Most PPE will minimize injury, but high-visibility PPE can prevent accidents from occurring.

Bright safety vests and shirts help the operator see people walking by. Forklift operators should maintain a safe distance from workers on foot and other pedestrians. If someone unexpectedly appears, high-visibility clothing can help increase the operator’s reaction time to prevent a collision. However, managers must enforce PPE compliance for the gear to be effective.

Keep the Facility Organized

A disorganized material handling facility creates an unsafe work environment. Obstructions cause inefficiency, and workers can rush to get a job done. A disorganized mess makes it difficult to navigate or see clearly.

Maintain lift truck driving lanes by keeping them clear of obstructions like products or discarded items. Mark lanes with rails or bollards, floor markings, and signs. Identify the most efficient location for inventory to improve inventory slotting and prevent forklift operators from driving around in search of a clear place for pallets.

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