META-DESCRIPTION: Forklift and heavy equipment safety have always been a safety concern for workers.

Learn how to keep the worksite a safe environment and what you can do to protect the people working in your warehouse. Forklifts and heavy equipment are considered crucial power machines to optimize the productivity of many warehouses and facilities.

As important as they are, working around them can be a safety concern. Workers can be potentially at risk of hazards, such as tip-overs, collisions, machinery entanglement, and struck-by conditions.

According to Canada Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), forklift and heavy equipment and machinery equipment accidents are one of the top causes of serious and fatal accidents in workplaces.

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Unfortunately, accidents can arise without any warning even in the safest working environment.

To prevent serious physical injuries, especially when moving heavy equipment using forklifts, simply leave the job to the professionals, like the Toronto Industrial Machinery Movers. Installing a forklift rear post also helps protect forklift operators from possible life-threatening injuries.

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Everyone wants to work in a safe and hazard-free environment. Working around with forklifts and large heavy equipment comes with a lot of safety issues. Taking extra precautions can significantly save people from injuries or even death.

• Proper Training – This has led employers to take training seriously. However, the training providers should have a well-documented and nationally recognized safety component. Complete practical training is a must to operate different types of forklifts and heavy machinery since equipment and conditions are unique across different worksites. Training should be relevant to the equipment used, the worksite where to work is carried out, and the type of work being completed. The workplace safety officers must thoroughly evaluate all the potential hazards to keep the facility or warehouse a safe environment for work.

• Inspect Machine Before Operation – Operating a damaged machine or forklift can be extremely hazardous. When the forklift or heavy equipment (like air compressors) fails during operation, it could put the life of the operator to seriously grave danger. Before operating the machine, make sure to inspect the basic components, including the tires, headlights, brakes, and fluid levels, every day. It is also important to have a professional machine technician to service your forklift and other heavy machinery regularly, like the Doosan forklift dealer provides to its customers and buyers. Routine inspection and preventive maintenance do not only keep workers safe, but they also help extend the life expectancy of your machinery. Better yet, have service providers for specific machines (like Industry Air Sales for air compressor systems) to do the maintenance effectively.

• Always Keep the Communication Lines Open – Communication is essential during the forklift and heavy equipment operations. All workers within the worksite must be aware when a vehicle or machine is in operation. Make all types of communication clear among all operators.

• Reduce Distractions in the Worksite – One of the most common things that distract an employee is the phone. That is why it is important to implement a “NO PHONE” policy during working hours. Working around with forklifts and heavy machinery is hazardous, and there are various obstacles and dangers that could threaten anyone who is distracted during operation. Phones should be stored in the locker and can only be used during break time.

Workplace safety has a direct impact on productivity as the safety training consultants in Toronto will tell you. By following the right safety steps, you ensure workers are able to carry out their duties more efficiently while keeping themselves safe and away from potential accidents that could delay the operation.