Collisions between forklift trucks and pedestrians have been
a major concern in the logistics sector. Although the number of workplace accidents involving forklift trucks
may be steadily declining, according to the Logistics and Transport sector report; collisions between pedestrians and forklift trucks remain a major problem.
When
preventing these accidents, the employer plays a key role. Of course,
it may be that the employee is careless, but employers can
take all sorts of measures to reduce workplace accidents. These
measures don’t have to cost much time or money at all. We’ve
put together a few tips for you. Tips that are quite logical, but are nevertheless often
overlooked.
1. Switch off the radio
A radio in the warehouse not only creates a convivial atmosphere, but also increases the
risk of accidents. Warehouses are often already very noisy, and a radio will
only prevent pedestrians from hearing forklift trucks approaching.
Nowadays, employees often wear earphones through which they listen to their own music via a smartphone or
iPod. This is unwise when you need to be alert
for approaching traffic. You should therefore ban all music in your warehouse. It’s not
It’s not very sociable, but it’s certainly safer.
2. Keep the colours of your forklift trucks intact
There’s a lot of talk about high-visibility vests for staff. They’re more visible
when they wear bright colours. Of course, the reverse is also true. Forklift trucks
are supplied in bright colours, such as red, for a reason. Companies do
sometimes tend to customise these forklift trucks in a neutral blue
colour, but this is not advisable. With bright colours, pedestrians can spot the
forklift truck approaching sooner.
3. Red safety belts
Safety harnesses are essential for minimising the consequences of forklift accidents
. However, it is often unclear whether employees are actually using the
belts. You should therefore fit your forklifts with red safety belts. This way,
you can see at a glance whether the harness is actually being used.
4. Don’t just train for
forklift truck drivers
For
forklift truck drivers, all manner of training courses are compulsory. But they are not
the only staff who can cause an accident. Other
warehouse staff must therefore be aware of how you
intend to ensure safety in the warehouse.
5. Position lights
to shine onto the warehouse floor
Forklift trucks
in the warehouse are being designed to be increasingly quieter. This is
nice, but it also means that other staff cannot hear a forklift truck
approaching. Coloured lights fitted to the forklift can provide a solution
. These lights project a spot onto the floor, so that pedestrians can
can see the forklift truck approaching well in advance. It is also advisable to fit a blue light to the rear of a forklift truck. When the driver reverses, this light comes on automatically, so that pedestrians can recognise the forklift truck.
Editorial LogistiekProfsImage:Mark Hunter - License: CC
