Operating a vehicle that carries heavy loads, like a pallet truck or a forklift, is a daunting task. It requires skilled and knowledgeable drivers to maneuver goods safely. Any damage to the goods or workers can be disastrous. There are numerous things to consider to maintain a safe work environment for your staff.

Luckily, there are some effective safety products that make the task quite easier for drivers. This guide will provide you with some of the best safety products that you can use while operating a forklift.

The Driver Should Be Licenced And Knowledgeable

Since operating a pallet truck or forklift requires skilled individuals, the drivers should be trained to obtain their licences. There is a one-day training course that the drivers need to go through to get an LO licence.

To carry loads, you need to operate forklifts that can move around; to drive that, the drivers need to undergo three days of training. Once their training is complete, they will get authorised with an LF licence. Also, the driver should have all the knowledge about the forklift so that they can operate in unfavourable situations too. 

Use Saftey Products

Seatbelts

Whether it’s about driving a vehicle, seatbelts are the primary safety product that you must install. They help keep the driver in place, and if there ever is an accident, the driver will be safely tucked in the seat, which can help avoid major injuries.

Guidance Laser & Blind Spot Camera

It’s possible that drivers are required to operate in dark areas. Without proper lighting, it could be highly unsafe. Using a guidance laser to see the unexpected objects in the front can help a lot. You can also install a blind spot camera which will make the area that is not visible to the naked eye visible to the driver.

Backup Alarms

Backup alarms in any vehicle warn passers-by of the vehicle that is moving in reverse. This can prevent so many accidents.

Safety Helmet

Covering your head with hard headgear is always recommended when it’s about driving, and that too with heavy loads.

Warning Systems

The workplace can have a lot of visitors, and it could be highly unsafe for them if a forklift activity is going on. Warning systems are effective in alerting pedestrians of the current activity.

Blue And Strobe Lights

Install blue light on the front and back of the forklift to illuminate the space around it. These lights can act as a warning sign for people who do not know that a forklift is in operation. Also, you can use strobe lights that are placed at eye level for everyone to see to warn the workers if heavy equipment is on the move.

Best Practices For Safely Operating A Forklift

• Examine the forklift before operating it and make sure everything is on point.
• Keep the area uncluttered and organised for the vehicle to move without any objects when managing change in your workplace.
• Avoid overloading the vehicle, as it can dismantle the forklift.
• Do not use a forklift as a life or for carrying passengers.
• Put strict safety guidelines in place for the workers.
• Hang illuminated warning board signs in the area where forklifts usually operate.

Final Thoughts

Installing some safety products in your forklifts can significantly reduce the chances of accidents on your premises. If you are concerned about safety, you can buy useful forklift safety accessories in Australia and have them installed in your forklift.