All businesses need to have policies and procedures in place that provide the guidelines for how Forklift Trucks are operated within the workplace. All Forklift operators need to be aware of these procedures to ensure that the workplace remains a safe place for all staff and visitors.

In conjunction with a traffic management plan, businesses should have policies and procedures for the following:

• Hazard reporting
• Hazard risk assessment
• Risk control measures
• Selecting / purchasing new plant and equipment
• Incident reporting and near miss reporting

In this post I’d like to expand on one of these recommended policies and procedures.

Selecting / purchasing new plant and equipment

Recently our Forklift trainers have come across a lot of businesses that have just purchased a Forklift that really isn’t suitable for the businesses at all. Before going out and purchasing a Forklift, you must consider the following carefully:

• Load weight
• Load size
• Surface conditions
• Layout and size of the workplace
• Confined spaces with poor ventilation
• Pallet racking heights
• Are specific attachments required

Purchasing the wrong Forklift for your business can be a safety hazard in itself. It is very important that you take the time to thoroughly consider all of your needs before speaking to a sales rep.

Finally, be careful when purchasing a used Forklift from a dealer. The sales man will be pushing onto you the model Forklift that they have in stock to sell regardless of your requirements. So you must take the time to assess your requirements in detail before speaking to a number of sales reps. This way you will be clear of the needs of your business. This will allow you to make the best possible purchase and this will in turn make for a safer workplace.

If you would like specific advice on the correct machinery for your workplace please contact us. We are only too happy to help.