Vehicle Operations Safety Behind Every Wheel
In the dynamic labyrinth of a warehouse, a synchronized ballet is enacted daily among
personnel, company vehicles, and various pieces of equipment. For the smooth execution of this dance, proper training of forklift operators is paramount to guarantee a comprehensive understanding of the working environment. By doing this, we can prevent injuries to operators and pedestrians as well as minimize damage to warehouse infrastructure, such as storage racks and stored materials. Recently, we have observed several unfortunate events involving forklifts, typically linked to inattentive operators who miscalculated the height of the forklift mast or drove at speeds unsuitable for the doorways they were attempting to navigate. To illustrate the consequences of such lapses, look at the accompanying photographs from one such incident.
Additional damage from the collision
Similar cautionary tales could be told about truck operations, especially concerning DVIR (Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports). These inspections ensure that the company vehicle is functioning optimally and keep a keen eye out for any issues that could potentially lead to disastrous consequences - like brake failure. Brakes are the lifeline of any vehicle. Should your vehicle brakes cease functioning, the potential for disaster escalates dramatically. Regular inspection reporting of the braking system is crucial to identify any signs of wear and tear or other issues that may impact braking efficiency. In the absence of such checks, the results could be as catastrophic as a forklift driving at high speed through a doorway. Furthermore, a key aspect often overlooked during company vehicle operations is awareness of blind spots. Whether it’s a forklift or a truck, the operators must be completely aware of their vehicle’s blind spots to prevent mishaps. Lack of awareness or ignorance of these blind spots can lead to accidents, sometimes severe ones. While operating heavy machinery like forklifts or trucks, attention to detail is crucial. Regular inspections of critical systems like brakes and comprehensive operator training, including blind spot awareness, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, thus ensuring a safer and more productive work environment for everyone.
The picture above depicts a forklift mast that has collided with a doorway, resulting in significant damage to the wall. However, beyond the glaringly obvious damage to the wall, what is more, critical to notice in the picture is the fully loaded rack system on the other side. Had the wall wholly given way, the chain reaction could have been disastrous, potentially causing the rack system to topple over and triggering a devastating domino effect.
Richard Berthiaume Director of Safety
& Jason Jones VP of Operations
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