Understanding the Different Forklift Training Courses and Certifications
Forklifts come in several classes, but regardless of what kind of forklift your company uses, each operator needs to receive forklift training and certification, as well as OSHA-mandated training. Barclay Brand Ferdon offers forklift training to operators at businesses from the lower New York region to Middlesex and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Here, we describe the types of forklift classes, as well as the training and certification required from every operator.
5 Rules and Tips for Forklift Safety
Whether you work in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food production, or distribution, maneuvering a forklift (or several) is likely part of your business’ day-to-day operations. While these pieces of machinery offer a host of advantages, such as improving your workplace’s efficiency, they must be operated with extreme care and skill to avoid injuries, damaged goods, and other unfortunate outcomes. Here, Barclay Brand Ferdon offers five rules and tips to ensure forklift safety at your jobsite.
Take Control Of Warehouse Safety To Increase Productivity
Did you know that according to the National Safety Council 70% of all forklift accidents are a result of operator error? Or that OSHA states that businesses spend over $170 billion (with a B), annually on occupational injuries and illness. If your company is tired of operators not following safety procedures and taking a bite out of profits, then let Barclay show you how to reduce costs and increase performance.
Barclay Supports National Forklift Safety Day
National Forklift Safety Day is here and Barclay is excited to celebrate and encourage safe forklift operator practices.
Sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association, the 2nd Annual National Forklift Day is being held in Washington, D.C. where leaders in the forklift industry will come together to highlight the importance of operator training to prevent forklift accidents and injuries.
Safety Tip of the Week
Be aware of the height of the forklift when entering or exiting buildings and pay attention to the lifting capacity of your lift truck. These steps will help to avoid product and equipment damage, as well as employee injury.
Safety Tip of the Week
It is very important that only the operator rides in the seat of the forklift. There should be no other passengers on the forks or anywhere else. Also keep hands and feet inside the forklift at all times, as a lowered mast could sever hands, OUCH!
Safeguard Your Most Valuable Assets with OSHA Training
The release of OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations of 2013 comes as a reminder that your employees are your most valuable assets in the material handling industry.
When it comes to the safety of your employees, trust Barclay with the task at hand. We offer a variety of customized material handling safety training courses and consultations to better understand the specific safety needs of our customers.
Safety Tip of the Week
Even if you are only going a few feet, it is important to keep forks low. Never travel with forks in an elevated position or lifted higher than a foot off the floor. It also never hurts to have a lookout helper if vision is not 100% clear, especially when reversing!
Safety Tip of the Week
Obstructed vision is one of the leading causes for forklift accidents. Ask for someone to help you when working in a narrow space. Use predetermined signals to ensure solid communication and safety. Always look right and left before proceeding. If you can’t see, sound your horn to let others know you are coming so they can be out of the way.
Safety Tip of the Week
The point of a forklift is to safely move products up or down or across a warehouse facility. Improper loading techniques cannot only damage product but can seriously injure the operator or someone else. Do not use the fork tip as a lever to raise a heavy load or to push a load, and do not use the tilt cylinder to pull a load. This can result in costly damages to the forklift. Use pallets that can stand the weight of the load. Do not use damaged, deformed or decayed pallets and skids.
Safety Tip of the Week
Even if you are traveling at low speed, a piece of debris in your path can cause the load to tip over or the operator to lose control; this can be easily avoided by keeping all pathways clean, and of course paying close attention during forklift operation. Also be sure to properly stack loads on pallets and use prevention measures such as ropes or binders if necessary to ensure load security. It is better to make two safe trips than having an accident with one insecure load.
Safety Tip of the Week
Much like a car or truck, forklifts improve efficiency and allow us to move more products quicker. They also require the same easy steps to keep the operator safe. Always remember to fasten your seat belt. A lot of accidents can be avoided with a simple “click!” Also be mindful of your speed and surroundings. Observe the rules of your work site and operate the forklift appropriately.
