Today we have a Guest Post from Tom Reddon, a forklift specialist and blog manager for the National Forklift Exchange. Today Tom shares some great tips on predicting and preventing forklift accidents. Thanks Tom!

How To Predict Forklift Accidents: The Warning Signs

Forklift accidents are part and parcel of the material handling industry. Though they are considered academic in nature, incidents can cost any business compensation costs, a reduction in manpower, and repair expenses. While some of these scenarios may be inevitable, the good news is many are readily avoidable. There are a few clear-cut warning signs to indicate that a forklift accident may be on the horizon. Is your business enduring the various effects of these accidents? Have you seen an uptick in incident reports in your enterprise? Are you looking to devise methodologies to limit the risks associated with these events and prevent them outright? The good news is there are steps you can take to avoid such an event. Looking out for these three warning signs will help any business predict, forecast, and mitigate potential forklift accidents. Here is how:

1. Complacency – A phenomenon that occurs frequently with the most seasoned drivers is complacency. Complacency in the workplace is a recipe for disaster. For the drivers that have been behind the wheel of a forklift for many years, the operation itself may seem monotonous or routine. As a result, these forklift drivers may become lax or carefree in their practices. Chances and risks that novice drivers may be less inclined to take may become a more widely used practice by drivers who have seldom had an accident, if ever at all. As we have championed previously, continuous improvement is an essential portion of any material handling initiative. For the drivers that have been exceptionally safe and experienced behind the wheel, it is imperative to identify what they have done right and ensure they stick to it. While doing so, it is essential to condemn poor habits that may begin to manifest in forklift drivers who have acquired substantial expertise behind the wheel.

2. OSHA Non-Compliance – Another tell-tale sign of an impending accident is non-compliance with OSHA standards and directives. Every year, OSHA releases a guide to all material handling employees on how to do their job safely and effectively. As incidents become less frequent, liabilities may actually increase. OSHA narratives become polite suggestions as opposed to mandatory actions. It is essential that any business maintains a robust and comprehensive action plan to ensure all staff and personnel adhere to OSHA compliance protocol. Conducting internal audits is a great way to promote and foster such behavior.

3. Poor Warehouse Layout – If your warehouse is disorganized or schematically inefficient, an accident may soon be in the mix. Complementing this narrative with an array of faulty equipment or ineffective attachments, safety exposures may reach heightened levels. As a result, forklift operators may be setting up themselves and fellow employees for a disaster. According to Ace Equipment, a main cause of forklift accidents is poor visibility. A less than appropriate warehouse layout can contribute to such an event as it limits the range and scope of capacity for even the most seasoned driver. When you combine this with poor equipment, this eventuality becomes certain.

This story was written by Tom Reddon. Tom is a forklift specialist and blog manager for the National Forklift Exchange. He also sits on the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) Executive Dialogue team. Follow him on Twitter at @TomReddon.