Forklift News - Safety First: David Hoover

In some ways, forklifts are the same basic machines designed many years ago to help people lift and move heavy loads.
They look slightly different, but still accomplish the same purpose.
It would be easy to say not much has changed, but that would be incorrect. In recent years, manufacturers have been getting better at building machines to customers' needs, and that includes their safety needs. Reach trucks that force operators to keep their feet inside the compartment and parking brakes with warnings that sound if not engaged are just a few advancements.
Aftermarket forklift safety product companies have also emerged. They build cutting-edge products that can be retrofitted to existing units to make them safer and more ergonomic. Almost without a doubt, if you have a forklift safety problem, someone makes a product that can help.
Of course only safe forklift operators can ensure safety, but safety products can assist operators to that end.
There are several interesting new products on the market. Forklift seats have gone high-tech and are designed with comfort and safety in mind. The latest examples incorporate a pivot that allows operators to swivel to either side to reduce back stress. Special materials are used to reduce shock and low-frequency vibrations to keep operators happier and more productive.
Another item is the seatbelt. It is a bright orange retractable belt that is highly visible and links to the lift's electrical system. The concept is simple: if the belt is not buckled the lift will not start. This simple product has helped many clients go from almost 0% seatbelt use to 100%. The prices of these items are very reasonable.
Forklift management systems are increasing in popularity. They range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Why would you want one? They allow you to electronically complete pre-shift checks, detect damage and assign it to an operator, track hours of production by lift or person, schedule maintenance, provide a method of lockout, schedule operators for re-evaluations, keep unauthorised people off your lifts, and much more. Information is power, and for those who want to gain control of their forklift operations, the time has come to do it.

David Hoover is president of Forklift Training Systems Inc, a US safety company specialising in site and forklift safety training, training trainers, custom program development and cutting-edge forklift safety products. Contact David Hoover

Discuss Forkliftaction.com News stories in the Discussion Forums!