BLOG

3 Material Handling Safety Tips for Fewer Damages & Injuries

Success in applying the material handling safety tips here will result to fewer hazards and delays. This will also lead to improved productivity and less downtime for the whole operations.

1. Use the right equipment for certain jobs

Many forklifts and industrial trucks are not suitable in certain conditions and in handling certain types of substances. For example, powered industrial trucks shouldn’t be used in areas with hazardous concentrations of aluminium or magnesium dust (possible ignition and explosion).

That’s why it’s important to strictly follow the manufacturer’s specifications about the use of each forklift. In addition, only the authorised drivers with appropriate training should handle those crucial tasks. This way, you prevent catastrophes while promoting the safety of your premises and workers.

2. Alert systems when forklifts and people are nearby

Once the appropriate forklifts are in use, it’s time to ensure the safety during operations. After all, collisions can cause boxes and containers to fall on the floor (or causes spillages and damages).

To help prevent collisions, there should be an alert system that triggers when another forklift (or personnel) is nearby. This is valuable when forklifts are approaching intersections, corners, narrow aisles and blind spots. The driver would be alerted and then adjust his driving accordingly.

3. Wear personal protective equipment

Even with the widespread use of robotics and machines, some boxes and containers are still being handled manually. Physical contact and improper lifting can cause injuries, damages and spills.

That’s why it’s advisable to wear protective eyewear, gloves and clothing. These will protect workers from corners and edges of boxes and containers. In addition, workers in many warehouses are required to wear steel-toed safety shoes and boots. Mishandling of containers can cause them to fall (or their contents) and might hit the workers’ feet.

Material handling safety tips

Those are just some of the material handling safety practices. Your department’s list should be more extensive to cover more specific scenarios. In addition, the requirements may vary depending on the types of products or materials you’re handling.

Here at ShockWatch, we’ve already provided material handling safety and damage prevention solutions to small businesses and Fortune 100 corporations. We have forklift alert and monitoring systems to improve workplace safety.

Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can make your operations safer and more productive.