4 Tips to Help Improve Loading Dock Safety

 

People who work in warehouses will agree that loading docks are some of the busiest elements of the operations.  They are characterized by increased risks of accidents, injury, and worse. Implementing measures to help reduce risks and ensure a safe loading dock is an ongoing concern. One way to enhance safety around loading docks is making sure that all material handling equipment, including forklift trucks, is in the best shape. This calls for partnering with a reputable forklift dealer when looking to buy used forklifts for sale or to get forklift maintenance and repair services. In this blog, we take a look at other elements that contribute towards ensuring safer loading docks. Read on.

1. Ensure Employee Training

According to OSHA, all forklift operators should be trained and certified. This is important as the absence of proper training magnifies the risk of accidents that may result in harm to workers, inventory, and equipment. Conduct employee training on how to use and maintain the loading dock. They should be trained to utilize dock levelers during loading and unloading, as well as how to restrain trailers effectively.

2. Implement Service Program

It is important to schedule routine maintenance for your loading docks to ensure optimum safety as well as increased productivity and efficiency. A certified technician should regularly examine and service all your dock levelers, dock plates, truck restraints, and other bay equipment. This will also help you avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs.

3. Utilize Safety Technology

Taking advantage of proven loading dock safety technology, floor markings, and keeping the warehouse clean all helps to ensure the safety of workers, loads, and equipment. Make sure to correctly use dock levelers to help with smooth, safe loading and unloading, and vehicle restraints to help prevent trailer separation accidents. A light communication system is also important as it offers visual reads to operators and loading dock staff.

4. Assess Every Load

It is very important for dock staff to inspect each and every load before unloading and loading. Make sure that workers are familiar with the loads and equipment as they vary from time to time.  The loading equipment should be able to access the trailers, and you should make sure that the trailer floor capacity meets the weight capacity of the dock levelers.

Lastly

It is important to adhere to loading dock safety guidelines to ensure safety and improve efficiency. Make it point to rent or buy used forklifts for sale from trusted forklift dealers. Accurate Forklift has a huge inventory of used forklifts for sale at affordable prices. Our inventory is regularly maintained to make sure that it is in the best shape. To know more about available forklifts for sale and service packages, call 770-692-1455 or email sales@accurateforklift.net

The Basics Of Forklift Truck Maintenance

Forklifts are very important pieces of equipment that make operational tasks easy and jobs faster. It is important to see to it that the equipment receives proper and religious maintenance to keep it running, operating optimally, and give it longevity. Proper maintenance also helps keep expensive repairs at bay. Whether you have an in-house team of mechanics or you are partnering with a forklift repair services provider in Atlanta such as Accurate Forklift, make sure that there is no sub-standard work and only forklift OEM parts are used. Here are some of the elements that must go into your forklift maintenance regimen.

Check tires on a regular basis

Checking tires is an important part of any maintenance regimen. The first thing you want to check is the tire pressure as under or over-inflation are both problematic as they expose you to accidents and high gas costs. Underinflation means less traction while over-inflation can damage the tires or even cause tire bursts. Always check your cushion tires for cracks or missing chunks that may cause an unstable ride.

Check your brakes for safety

Forklift brakes should never be compromised as such a development could easily spell disaster. That is why it is always vital to make sure that all issues pertaining to the brakes are resolved as soon as possible. Brakes can be affected by regular wear and tear and will also soften over time requiring more physical exertion to get them working.

Change oil and fluids regularly

A forklift makes use of a variety of fluids to function properly. These include hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, coolants, and motor oil which help in the working of moving parts. It is recommended to change the fluids every 3 months as this helps in giving the forklift longevity and optimum utilization. The approach and importance are pretty much the same as with your car or any other vehicle that you own.

The Last Word

You must also include other elements such as checking antifreeze levels and ensuring that forks are still straight. Partnering with accurate Forklift for your forklift repair in Atlanta frees you to concentrate on your core business while working with a team of seasoned forklift technicians on friendly terms. We offer forklift sales and forklift rentals as well as forklift services in Atlanta for all makes and models. Our team of experts is always available to discuss your requirement and answer your questions. Call us today at 770-692-1455 and ask for service or email us at service@accurateforklift.net. 

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Accurate Forklift has all the forklift parts you need to keep your company up and running. Located in east point right off of I-75 makes us easily accessible from any location in Atlanta.

 

4 Common Warehouse Accidents Causes and How to Prevent Them

 

While most warehouses have a lot of automation technology, forklift operators and other workers still play an important role in day-to-day material handling. It remains important to make sure that your warehouse is safe and injury-free for optimum production and profitability as well as a good reputation in the industry. Connecting with a forklift dealer or rental service that offers well-maintained forklift trucks also helps to ensure safe operations. Accurate Forklift is one of the leading forklift rental service providers when it comes to offering a forklift rental fleet that is in mint condition, attractive deals, and a great deal of flexibility. Continuing on the subject, we share four common warehouse accident causes and how you can prevent them. Read on.

1. Problem: Trips And Spills: According to OSHA, spills and trips contribute about 25% to the majority of general industry accidents. Most of these accidents can be prevented.

Solution: The first thing is to add trips and spills hazards to your checklist. Makes sure that the warehouse is well organized and not covered in spills, stray cords, and disorganized packing materials. Cover cracks or pits on the floor that could trip workers or damage equipment. Use a non-skid floor coating for stairway surfaces that are regularly wet.

2. Problem: Dangerous Energy: A release of stored energy from the forklift, sudden energizing, or start-ups can cause serious injuries and even loss of life.

Solution: Unauthorized workers must be prevented from operating forklifts that are in need of forklift service. An easy solution to a potentially serious problem is to practice a lockout system so that forklifts can only release energy when it is being safely used.

3. Problem: Falls: According to OSHA,  accidents from falls contribute 15 percent of  general industry accidents. Almost half of the warehouse fall injuries occur from 15 feet or lower.

Solution: It is important to prevent workers from using ladders to climb to top racks to pick up materials. Make sure to use an automated system or some other retrieval mechanism such as a forklift.

4. Problem: Ergonomics: According to OSHA, unprofessional lifting and poor design of operations can result in musculoskeletal injuries in workers.

Solution: Promote ergonomics safety to help material handling workers to have long, healthy careers. It is important to reward workers who religiously follow ergonomics best practices that include proper use of equipment to handle heavy materials. It is advised to buy backrests, anti-vibration seat cushions, and other ergonomics devices for forklift trucks.

The Final Word

Apart from the above-listed warehouse safety procedures, it is important to create a safety committee so that workers can participate and help improve safety in and around the warehouse. Connect with Accurate Forklift for all your forklift rental service requirements. We have a huge fleet featuring all the popular makes and models at attractive rates.  For answers to all your questions about our forklift rental services or help to fulfill your requirements, call 770-692-1455 or email rentals@accurateforklift.net.

4 Forklift Training Programs to Consider

Forklifts are indispensable equipment in different industries but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. This is why it is important to adhere to OSHA safety standards and provide a proven forklift operator training program. Operators must have a solid understanding of safe forklift operation to ensure safety in workspaces such as warehouses. Although fleet managers are encouraged to conduct on-site training, having well maintained and serviced forklifts is also important when it comes to safety. To have good working condition forklifts you should carefully choose a reputable forklift dealer. Accurate Forklift gives you access to forklift service and maintenance for all models. In this blog, we share four forklift training programs to consider. Read on.

1. Forklift Simulator

The forklift simulator is based on computer simulation forklift training programs. The programs demonstrate different storylines that a forklift operator encounters during real-life work operations. The stimulator provides the trainee with virtual reality and attracts an all-senses experience. 3D makes them feel like they are actually piloting a real forklift in real-time.

2. On-Site Training

The on-site training program is designed to help operators get job safety training unique to their workplace. Since every workplace has its own specific need, the training involves operating a forklift in a real-life working environment. It is conducted by a trainee who can be an outside hired consultant or someone appointed as an internal trainer. An in-house trainer offers benefits such as practicality, convenience, and cost-effectiveness when compared to an outside trainer.

3. Computer-Aided Curriculum

A computer-aided curriculum is an online training program that is easily accessible to any potential forklift operator. The course can be performed anytime in the comfort of your home. All you need to do is to search the web to identify the site and determine a course that suits your needs. Some of the training programs are internationally recognized and adhere to OSHA standards.

4. The Castle Model

Also called Capacity, Stability, and Leverage Multifunction Model, the Castle model was introduced in 2017. This forklift training program does not require the use of a real forklift and it helps trainees to know the impact of capacity, leverage, and stability in the operation of a forklift. The course is basically the use of a hands-on device such as balance beams, and load disks that are used to show the impact of the heavy or bulk operation of a lift.

Wrap Up

The above-listed are some of the training programs to consider to ensure safety. The safe operation of forklifts is an important part of overall safety and adherence to OSHA guidelines. Accurate Forklift is a reputable forklift dealer in Atlanta that offers affordable forklift service and maintenance services. We keep your forklift fleet in the best working condition to ensure smooth and safe operations. Talk to us today to discuss your requirements or get answers to all your questions. Just dial 770-692-1455 or email service@accurateforklift.net.