Your Safety Questions Answered About Forklift Forks

Your Safety Questions Answered About Forklift Forks

A key piece of machinery that plays a vital role in the success of many day-to-day operations – forklifts have become extremely important within the manufacturing and warehousing industry. A requirement and excellent investment for any business that loads, offloads, stacks, lifts, moves, carries and transports heavy materials such as steel beams, concrete, lumber and bricks, these powerful material handling machines not only come at a significant expense, but they also come with other factors that you need to bear in mind.

What are the most common forklift accidents?

Forklifts are amongst some of the most dangerous machines in the workplace. Each year there are hundreds of accidents involving forklifts and while some are caused by lack of operator training, others are caused by lack of maintenance. At Retrolex Forklifts, we have rounded up the latest statistics so you can see exactly where these dangers hide:

• 3% of forklift accidents occur when operators lose control of the forklift.
• 7% of forklift accidents occur when forks are driven off a loading dock.
• 14% of forklift accidents occur when loads accidentally fall on workers.
• 14% of forklift accidents occur when forks are used inappropriately to lift.
• 18% of forklift accidents occur due to lack of operator training.
• 18% of forklift accidents occur when workers are struck by the forks.
• 26% of forklift accidents occur when lifts tip over.

How do you look after your forklift forks?

If you are looking to increase productivity, cut down costs, reduce downtime and keep your employees safe, then you need to recognise the importance of looking after your forklift forks. First and foremost, never overload your forks as this will only bend and weaken them. Secondly, never modify your fork without consulting your supplier, and last but not least – NEVER repair your own forks. As much as you may believe you are capable of upgrading, servicing and even repairing your own forks, this is a job best left to the experts.

How often should forklift forks be inspected or replaced?

Because forks are constantly subjected to abrasion by steel shelving and concrete floors they can easily get bent or cracked, which is why it is important to know when forklift forks need to be inspected, serviced or replaced if you want to maintain a proper level of efficiency and safety. By law set by the Occupational Health & Safety Act, forklift forks must be replaced if they have more than 10% wear and they must also be inspected every day and every six months. While special attention to distortions and cracks should be inspected daily, a thorough inspection should be given every 6 months by a forklift expert giving special attention to approving grinding methods, blades, distortions, and cracks in the heel and hanger.

If you are looking to partner with a supplier that is as invested in the safety of your employees as you are, then turn to Retrolex Forklifts in Gauteng. Renowned for bringing value to businesses throughout the Southern Hemisphere through our wide range of leading forklift brands, competitive pricing, forklift operator training programs, and quick turnaround on parts and spares – we are simply the intelligent choice to keeping your employees safe and productive.

Disclaimer: All information, data and material contained, presented, or provided was correct at time of publishing.