Material Handling Equipment Safety Tips For Safe Work Performance

Material handling equipment continues to be an integral part of operational tasks in bridging the gap within distribution channels.

However, handling materials puts safety at the forefront to minimize the potential risk of injuries.

A proactive approach to the prevention of accidents can help create a safe working environment for the employees.

Not to mention, it’ll probably save up some costs for you in the long run which would have otherwise lost due to material damage.

So, what you may need is a fixed code of safety measures that has to be applied diligently in the workplace.

Material handling equipment safety tips can save a lot of headaches for you and your staff while maximizing productivity.

Today’s blog aims to supplement your understanding of material handling hazards and what you can do to counter it.

The Need for Material Handling Equipment Safety

Before you go ahead and hire Material Handling Equipment Rental, it’s important to know about the evaluation and monitoring standards.

Starting with basic education and awareness around material handling is always a step in the right direction.

Moreover, it’s important for operators to not get complacent about the handling of Construction Material Handling Equipment.

However, it is not only the workers who are held accountable. It’s also the duty of supervisors to practice due diligence and comply with the regulatory standards.

Not doing so can invariably lead to these risks and hazards in the workplace:

Overload or exceeding the weight limits for the equipment to handle the load
Sudden fall or injuries due to improper storage of materials
Lack of Heavy Equipment Care and maintenance of Aerial Lift Equipment
Incorrect use of a harness on the platform
Awkward movements while on the platform

Now, it’s obvious these are likely to lead to injuries and the stress of overcoming accidental damage.

As a result, it’s often crucial to maintain some safety standards along with proper training of the staff. Open communication lines between the operator and supervisors can accommodate the process.

To maintain industrial standards, there are guidelines laid out by the OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Act). Following these guidelines alone can set a strong foundation for material handling equipment safety tips.

Here we have listed down just some of the factors influencing safe material handling and operations.

Material Handling Equipment Safety Tips and Measures

Well, Safety Precautions in Material Handling has a lot to do with making sure the equipment is in working order.

Along with that, make sure that the operators are fully expertise in operations.

Taking these considerations into account can help avoid any kind of injury while enhancing productivity:

#1. Inspection of the Equipment

Whether you’ve hired a Construction Equipment Rental or just bought machinery, inspecting it before use is indispensable.

A pre-shift inspection of the equipment includes checking brakes, mast, tires, and safety controls.

Moreover, in case you do find a fault, inform the management about all the issues. Operating damaged equipment before repairs can set you up for big troubles later on.

#2. Finding the Right Material Handling Equipment Supplier

One of the most important material handling equipment safety tips is to source reliable units. While this does seem obvious at first, many people do miss out on recognizing the importance.

The Aerial Lift Rentals or buying option you choose must meet all your needs while complementing your fleet.

For one, make sure you source lift equipment from authorized suppliers. Additionally, it’s even better if you can get parts and repair support from the company you source your equipment from.

#3. Training and Certification of Operators

Before starting operations, check whether your employee is actually certified to operate the equipment. In case they are not, you can always choose to train them and add to their skills.

However, it’s important you confirm they get training in the specific machinery they’re going to operate.

Material Handling Equipment Training is also often offered by equipment distributors as well. Also, consider retraining your staff if there are upgrades to your fleet.

#4. Assess the Load

Well, it goes without saying that you can’t overload lifting equipment to get the work done quickly. A much more prudent thing to do would be to divide the load into shifts.

It’s the responsibility of the operators as well as supervisors to ensure the load is appropriate for the machinery in use.

Moreover, always raise and lower the load when the equipment is not in motion.

#5. Consider the Surroundings

Oftentimes, a worksite may require you to take special precautions, especially if it has obstacles around it.

Thus, consider putting work zone signs to keep people and stationary objects away from the area where you operate the machinery.

Maintain the required distance between the material handling equipment and any other moving machinery on the site.

Moreover, turn off the Forklift or Scissor Lifts when not in use to prevent accidents.

Well, it’s the responsibility of all the involved parties to follow these guidelines.

This means the employers must provide the required supervision and guidance to the workers and inform them about any potential risks.

On the other hand, workers must comply with their duties according to the OSHA regulations.

Though, that requires them to be properly trained in the operations along with general awareness of the material handling equipment safety tips.

Count on Torcan Lift to Train Your Staff About the Ins and Outs of Material Handling

Training your equipment operators is often an obvious step in the implementation of safety procedures.

Torcan Lift offers a variety of training programs and modules to suit the beginner level as well as re-certification needs.

Besides, our premium fleet of Material Handling Equipment Toronto has the latest model machinery regularly serviced and inspected for prolonged performance.

Our quality relies on equipment sourced from reliable suppliers. We are the official and authorized parts dealer for Genie, Dieci, Bobcat, and Skyjack.

Experts at Torcan Lift are happy to discuss your requirements regarding the training of your staff or equipment rental needs.