Truemag

  • Newsletters
  • Thought Leadership
  • Mobility
  • Safety
  • Work Trucks
  • Videos
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Media Kit
  • Who We Are

10 Tips for Safe Use of Material Handling Equipment

By Keith Trumbull, VP of Material Handling Equipment, Element Fleet Management

Last month, I shared information on how to prevent forklift accidents in order to avoid injury, reduce costs and maximize productivity. This June, we observe National Safety Month with 10 tips for safe use of material handling equipment. Even if you aren’t directly responsible for these assets, following the guidance outlined below will lead to a safer – and more productive – work environment.

1.   Ensure the operator is trained and qualified to operate the equipment.
2.   Always do a pre-shift inspection of the equipment. Inspection items should include brakes, steering, warning devices, safety devices, mast, tires and all controls. Log damages, flag problems and notify management of any and all issues. Do not allow a damaged or unsafe piece of equipment to be operated until it is fixed or repaired.
3.   Make sure the load is secure, stable and appropriate for the piece of equipment being utilized.
4.   Always insure the operator has clear visibility when in motion. Use helpers if necessary.
5.   When carrying loads, go forward on up ramps and in reverse on down ramps.
6.   Lower the loads to travel height before moving and carry it with a slight back tilt.
7.   Always know the weight of your cargo and make certain the equipment is capable of carrying the load.
8.   Only raise and lower loads when not in motion.
9.   Travel at safe speeds for the environment. Maintain a safe distance between other pieces of moving equipment, people and stationary objects.
10.  Turn off the forklift when not in use or unattended and remove the key.

When followed, these tips will set a strong foundation for the safe use of material handling equipment in your workplace. Are there any safety tips you follow that we didn’t include? Leave a comment or send us a tweet, @ElementFleet.

Each month Fleet Management Weekly features material handling equipment guidance from Keith Trumbull, vice president of material handling equipment at Element Fleet Management.

May 30, 2015Janice
2016 Model Year Fleet Preview WebinarsThe Need for Fleet Management Consulting Continues to Grow
Recent Posts
  • Hyundai Shows Robotic EV Auto-Charger in Action
  • WIFM Profile: GMs’ Jennifer Costabile Stresses the Importance of Mentorship and Candor
  • Safe Driving: The Only Sure March Madness Pick
  • FMW Brand Acceleration: Meet the Fleet Marketing Experts at NAFA I&E
  • Six Tips to Successfully Hire Qualified Drivers in a Hyper-Competitive Market
  • 2023 Work Truck Week: Robust Interest in EV Fleets at Indy Event
  • DriverCare Webinar Series: How to Self-Fund Your Fleet Safety Program
  • Eric Attias Joins Holman as Canadian VP of Sales
  • Immerse Yourself in the World of Fleet at NAFA I&E
  • FMW: New Branding and Marketing Support for Fleet Product and Service Providers
ASSOCIATION NEWS
WIFM Profile: GMs’ Jennifer Costabile Stresses the Importance of Mentorship and Candor
Immerse Yourself in the World of Fleet at NAFA I&E
AFLA Learning Webinar: Diversity In Fleet
Open the Door to Success by Becoming NAFA Certified
WIFM Profile: Holly Vollant of Holman Remains a Perpetual Pupil
NAFA Appoints 2023 Board of Directors
Our Industry Associations Deliver Great Value!
TECHNOLOGY
Tesla Finally Starts Rolling Out Full Self-Driving Beta v11
Electric Car Prices Are Coming Very Close to Gas Car Prices
Detroit Mayor Announces the City’s First Fully (EV) Fleet at Municipal Parking Department
Artificial Intelligence Used to Reduce Traffic Congestion
The Future of Automotive Data Collection and Safety: Tires Take Center Stage
Whether EV or ICE, Today’s Vehicle Tech Presents New Challenges for Collision & Repair Shops
Will Self-Driving Cars Solve Our Traffic and Street Safety Problems? A Tech Historian Says No
CONFERENCES & WEBINARS
FMW Brand Acceleration: Meet the Fleet Marketing Experts at NAFA I&E
2023 Work Truck Week: Robust Interest in EV Fleets at Indy Event
DriverCare Webinar Series: How to Self-Fund Your Fleet Safety Program
Immerse Yourself in the World of Fleet at NAFA I&E
Open the Door to Success by Becoming NAFA Certified
NETS Annual Strength IN Numbers Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference
Our Industry Associations Deliver Great Value!
INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Eric Attias Joins Holman as Canadian VP of Sales
Jarrod Phipps Joins Holman as Chief Information Officer
Open the Door to Success by Becoming NAFA Certified
Wheels, Donlen and LeasePlan Unite Under Wheels Brand Name
NAFA Appoints 2023 Board of Directors
Belgium Fleet & Mobility Specialists TCOFLEET Partner with fleetCompetence Group
Best is Yet to Come: AFLA’s Swingin’ Affair in Palm Springs

Fleet Management Weekly Newsletter Archive
Access to back issues of the FMW newsletter.

FMW Mobility
How mobility is rapidly changing the fleet management landscape.

Newsletter

Subscribe

FMW Fleet Videos
Video clips of industry leaders speaking on a variety of engaging hot topics in fleet.

2014-2020 © Fleet Management Weekly