6 Essential Forklift Fleet Management Tips to Improve Safety & Efficiency

1. Complete A Daily Lift Truck Pre-Shift Inspection

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires forklift vehicles to be inspected at least daily or after each shift when used around the clock. A forklift inspection form or sheet is the easiest way to check your lift truck from carriage to counterweight.

2. Complete Annual Operator Training For Employees

Properly training your forklift operators helps keep your employees safe and your business healthy. In addition, OSHA requires forklift training for all operators. Proper operator training can also help your business reduce the risk of product, rack and equipment damage during operation.

3. Review Your Warehouse Layout For Maximum Efficiency

An efficient warehouse is a productive and profitable warehouse. Look around and ask yourself these questions:

• Are we traveling in the most efficient path possible? Can we reduce travel time by changing where items are stored and where activities are performed?
• Is Is your fleet size leading to congestion that stops workflow – especially in receiving, assembly, packing and/or shipping areas?
• Can, or should, your fleet be reduced by using more efficient and productive processes or lift trucks?
• Are items being handled more than once to get through the warehouse?
• If the answer is ‘Yes’ to any of the above, you should review your warehouse layout and rearrange it for maximum efficiency.

4. Ensure Proper Battery Charging Practices

Properly charging your electric forklift battery could potentially save you thousands of dollars in productivity gains! Below are five key OSHA forklift battery charging guidelines to keep in mind.

• Always charge batteries in the designated battery charging area.
• Wear proper safety equipment such as gloves and protective glasses.
• When charging batteries - pour acid into water, never pour water into acid .
• Check the water level. Do not add water prior to recharging. Record the battery level in your service log.
• Check the voltage and if the battery has sealed vents, do not recharge with a current greater than 25 amperes.
• For the complete list of OSHA forklift battery charging guidelines, click here.