When operating a forklift or any type of big machinery, safety has to be the top priority. It is a sad truth but there are all sorts of videos on the internet showing forklift accidents. They show how warehouses experience terrible damages due to the carelessness of Moffett trucks for sale operators in warehouses. Operators need to have proper training, stay up to date, and have certifications from OSHA to show that they are experienced in operating the machinery. When operating a forklift, it is imperative to remember that it is not a car. If you handle it inappropriately, the forklift can easily topple over since they are narrow and tall.

As a result, mishaps can result at any time and lead to injuries and even death. It may not seem like an important task to operate the forklift equipment, but know that it is quite different compared to other vehicles and it is important to gear up well before time.

Here are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when you operate a forklift:

The Common Mistakes to Avoid

The two major categories of the risks are often because of fast driving and careless operating of the machine. This often happens if operators lack the right certifications. However, here are some of the other things you need to avoid while operating the Moffett Truck.

Do Not Operate It Unless You are Qualified

As a warehouse owner, you have to make sure that all the forklift operators you have in your company have the right certification, qualification, guidance, and knowledge in operating the lift truck. Usually, operators should follow the OSHA rules and regulations for operating a forklift.

Avoid Driving If You Feel Dizzy or Sleepy

Business owners have to ensure that no forklift operator should run the machine while they feel sleepy, tired, or dizzy. They must be in control and in their senses, ensure that they drive well.

Not Checking the Condition of the Tires

The condition of the tire is one of the most essential, yet overlooked aspects of the safety of the forklift. You need to ensure that the tires remain in the best condition, have no impact on the driver, the forklift, and offer complete safety. A tip here is to perform a check daily on the tires to make sure they remain in the best working condition.

Excessive Speeding

Another major contributor towards forklift driving in a reckless way is excessive speeding. Just a slight over-speeding may put drivers at a higher risk of encountering a mishap compared to an operator that obeys the speed limits regularly. Speeding is an issue with newbie drivers who find it exciting to push their lift truck to its limit rather than driving at a slower pace. Often, it feels quite tempting to drive the forklift faster in an attempt to be more productive, but you need to ensure that an accident will cause more downtime.

You need to remember that you should follow speed limits within the warehouse and outside. After one delivery or lifting job, you will need to attend to others, so make sure that you consider the long-term impact and drive the lift truck at proper speed limits.

Keep in mind that you have to be extra careful and drive slow while operating the lift truck under slippery and wet conditions.

Operating It in a Crowded Space

While operating the lift truck, you need to avoid problems by ensuring the view ahead is clear and open. Spaces should have fewer crowds, less storage on the path and offer a clear view of the lift truck operator.

Not Checking and Fixing Brake Problems

Making sure that the brakes are in the best working condition at all times is important if you want to avoid accidents. Even if you feel the brakes are wearing out slightly, you need to test it and change it if necessary. If the brakes are not functioning well, changing them is a minor job and should be your top priority. You need to check the parking brake, the brake pedal, and the fluid level on a daily basis. If you feel that you need to push harder to bring the vehicle to a stop, then it means you need to consult experts to check it for you and replace them.

Avoid Traveling with Elevated Load

Professionals often recommend that you should not operate the lift truck with its load at an elevated level. Managers should take care of this problem.

Not Knowing the Load Capacity of Your Forklift

If you end up carrying a load that is too heavy for the vehicle, this will surely make your vehicle unstable. You have to be aware of the capacity of your Moffett truck for sale before you operate it by looking at the plate displaying the data of the truck. This data plate should have all the relevant information you should not tamper with.

To ensure that you avoid mistakes, it is best you follow right operating guidelines and keep a check on your surroundings.