FORKLIFT SAFETYWinter

Tips

Forklifts are an essential piece of material handling equipment that many

companies cannot do without, and winter weather can present unique

challenges. The key to safe and efficient operation is well-trained and

attentive operators.

According to OSHA, every year there are:

85

fatalities

34,900

serious accidents

61,800

non-serious accidents

Forklift training is an absolute must to prevent forklift accidents!

There are about 855,900 forklifts in the US, and it’s estimated that 11% of

all forklifts will be involved in an accident each year.

43% occur in

Manufacturing

24% occur in

Construction

OSHA estimates that

almost 50% could

have been prevented

by better training

In the next few slides, we’ll share the following winter forklift training tips.

Be sure to include them in your next training session!

Winter

Hazards

Operator

Protection

Forklift

Protection

Forklift

OperationForklift

Attachments

Winter Hazards

It’s imperative that you teach your operators how to

identify all possible hazards in the winter, including:

Snow and Ice

Wet Conditions

Slippery Conditions

Limited Visibility

Cold

You can address many of these

hazards by taking care of two things:

Your operator and your forklift1 2

Operator Protection

An important component of protecting your operators is making sure that

they wear the proper winter gear, including:

Warm Gloves and a Hat

Outermost Gear that is in Highly Visible Colors

Multiple Layers of Warm Dress

Windproof Clothing

Make sure your operator takes their breaks. In the winter, they need to

concentrate more than usual, creating additional mental strain.

Forklift Protection

Purchase a high quality forklift cover to protect it from the elements

(OSHA will remove any self-made ones). Choose a cover with ribs and

gutters to dispel water. Also, make sure you equip the forklifts with tires for

winter use. The right tire will help with traction and stability.

Pneumatic tires are better than solid tires in bad conditions

You can use tires with chains or studs as well

It can help to add a weight block to the forklift

You can also grit yard areas to help with traction

Forklift Operation

For safe operation, train your operators to use this checklist:

Before During After

Make sure the winter items

(chains, cover, studs, tire check)

are all in place

Check the lighting. Is it sufficient?

Check the weather outside. Is it

wet or icy? Put on the cover or tire

chains if necessary

Check fuel and fluid levels

Allow the forklift to warm up

properly. This is important for the

engine and hydraulics

Slow down. Only go as fast as

conditions will safely allow

Ensure continuous visibility

Continually monitor working

conditions for limited visibility,

slippery surfaces, etc

Clean the machine. Proper

maintenance is the first line of

defense for safe operation

Check fluid levels and top off if

necessary

For electric forklifts, plug in the

battery

For propane or diesel forklifts,

plug in the battery heater (if

there is one)

Forklift Attachments

There are forklift attachments available to help you with

snow control, including:

Plow Scoop Salter/Sander

Push and remove

snow from parking,

loading and working

areas.

Pick up and pile snow

out of the way to

ensure a job can

continue smoothly.

Treat your parking, loading,

and working areas and

improve traction and

stability for forklifts and

other machinery.

Make sure maintenance

services, load tests and

the OSHA-required

annual inspection occur

on time

Store the forklift in a

secure and dry area.

Make sure it is plugged

in if necessary (battery

and battery warmer)

Use top quality hydraulic

fluid, like Hydrex XV, that has

a wide working range and

reaches viscosity quickly

Opt for winterized diesel with

additives to keep it from

gelling in the winter. Diesel

engines should also be

plugged in overnight

Winter Forklift MaintenanceLastly, don’t underestimate the benefits of a proper winter

forklift maintenance routine.

Wishing You a Safe Winter,Your Friends at Purchasing.com

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