The adoption of electric forklifts by companies has grown throughout USA. Proven to be useful for adding more agility in cargo handling in the storage and logistics areas, it is important to remember that training is needed to operate this equipment. Otherwise, improper use of these machines can reduce their useful life and, more than that, increase the risk of accidents at work.

There are models of electric forklifts that are designed with arms to move loads in narrow aisles or from one room to another, as well as lifting them for storage in high places in the warehouse. The fact is that, normally, accidents occur due to the lack of qualification and training of operators, without the necessary knowledge to use the forklift. In this situation, the most common occurrences happen when the operator or people nearby are hit below the machine, either by a component or by the load being transported. There are even reports of minor injuries, others even more serious. For Forklift Rental Click here

According to a survey by a US Government Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), more than 80 people die each year in the US from forklift accidents. The survey also points out that about 35,000 people have serious accidents and 60,000 minor injuries due to the incorrect use of forklifts every year.

Follow important tips:

To avoid minor or more serious injuries, we share some basic tips for operating electric forklifts more safely. Check out:

Respect the speed limit;

  • Only operators who have specific training are authorized to operate the electric forklift;
  • Check the condition of the machine daily. If any problem is identified, immediately arrange for its repair;
  • Constantly monitor the direction in which the machine is steered. Before turning, stop the forklift and have a view of the perimeter. If everything is ok then do the trick. Attention: never turn the equipment, if it is on a ramp or on any terrain with oscillations;
  • When someone is near the forklift, horn to warn it and thus keep it away from the machine’s path;
  • Under no circumstances, increase or reduce the volume of cargo transported while the electric forklift is in motion;
  • Unless there is a passenger seat, it is prohibited to carry other people;
  • Do not exceed the load limit to be carried on the grapples. In fact, make sure the merchandise is properly stacked on top of them. When empty, the claws must remain lowered and tilted back;
  • At the end of the work, the machine must be switched off and the claws completely retracted.

Meet James Forklift Company:

As it has been operating for over a decade in the forklift industry, James Forklift Company is very well aware of the particularities and care operators must take when handling this type of equipment. Its professionals have extensive experience in this area and, therefore, can also help companies to design forklift fleets, in addition to sharing other important tips to extend the useful life of these equipment and, above all, to minimize the risk of accidents.

James Forklift Company is a reference in the market for its special offers for leasing electric forklift fleets. Talk to us and find out more about how your company can take advantage of electric forklifts and your team can operate them more safely, increasing precision and agility in cargo handling.