Is your warehouse ready for inspection?

Aisles for forklifts have to be wide enough and clearly marked. You can do this with floor marking tape, for example. Or you can go one step further and install polymer safety barriers. Of course, a physical boundary is the best guarantee of safety. You can use a variety of safety solutions: barriers, handrails and safety gates all help to create aisles for forklifts.

A polymer handrail is a classic example of an effective barrier. It is light, flexible and eye-catching. It is easy and quick to install in different warehouse areas. Handrails are great way for safely directing pedestrian traffic because they are high enough to stop people simply stepping over them.

Safety gates makes it easy and safe for warehouse staff to move from one zone to another. The gate forces the worker to stop and think rather than unknowingly walk into an area where forklifts are operating. You can install safety gates that slide, swing or open vertically depending on the circumstances or space available.

It is also a good idea to install mirrors to cover blind spots.

Everyone has to know the correct stacking procedures to avoid accidents. Consistent and correct stacking is very important. Storing goods in a stable way will stop them from tipping and falling. Make sure that everyone can easily access the clear and simple stacking procedures.

Find out here how you can better organise your warehouse.

The same principle applies to forklifts as to other tools: a place for everything, and everything in its place. A tidy workplace also contributes to safety. What should you look out for?

• Decide where the forklifts are refuelled or charged. This ensures the forklifts are always ready when your employees start their day's work. 
• Put up the necessary signs and provide adequate lighting. 
• Install safety barriers to protect the infrastructure, pedestrians, buildings and forklifts themselves from collisions. Polymer safety barriers are perfect for this.

The cab of a forklift is off limits to anyone who has not completed the official training. Knowing what you are doing is literally a matter of life and death. Forklift training includes regular refresher sessions. They keep drivers focused on the dangers of driving a forklift. Drivers can then pass on their knowledge to other staff to make them more aware of forklift hazards too.

If you want to explore even more measures that can help you to prevent forklift accidents, we have created a checklist!

Does your organisation have a risk assessment and traffic plan available? A risk assessment documents all the risks and a traffic plan shows the company's traffic flows and intersections. You can use these plans to install signs and polymer safety barriers that meet all the requirements of your industry.

Need some tips on how to perform a risk assessment? Or not sure how to draw up a traffic plan? We are here to help.

The state of your infrastructure is important. This is especially true for your stacking racks. Can they carry the load? Are they in need of replacement? Are they protected against impacts from pallet trucks or forklifts? A collision can have serious consequences. Preventive protection with safety barriers, bollards or rack protection is advisable.