As the cold weather approaches, it’s crucial to prioritise forklift safety. The winter months bring unique challenges, such as icy surfaces, reduced visibility, and battery performance issues. Here are our top tips to ensure your operations remain safe and efficient, especially during these colder months that pose additional risks to our day-to-day operations.

First, inspect your forklifts regularly. Cold temperatures can affect tyre pressure and battery life, so it’s essential to perform daily checks. Ensure that all lights are functioning correctly to combat shorter daylight hours and potential fog that might arise. Regular maintenance checks cannot be overstated – they are the first line of defence in keeping your equipment in peak condition during the winter season.

Next, invest in proper training for your operators (give us a call!). Navigating a forklift on icy or snowy grounds requires specific skills. Our detailed training sessions also include tips on how to manage unexpected weather changes and the best practices for operating in freezing temperatures. Remember, safety always comes first, and skilled operators are the bedrock of safe operations!

Lastly, maintain a clean and organised work environment. Keep pathways and storage areas clear of snow and ice. Use salt or sand to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Ensure that all workers are equipped with appropriate winter gear, such as gloves and warm clothing, to maintain their comfort and safety during operations. A well-organised site not only promotes safety but also enhances the overall efficiency of your work environment, reducing downtime caused by weather-related issues.

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

Driving a forklift correctly – may seem obvious, right? But not all forklifts are made the same, and whilst we may think we know how to manage a forklift, it’s worth taking the necessary steps to make sure – otherwise you could risk causing an accident.

Do the training! Here at the Forklift Truck Training Centre, we’re obviously big fans of effective forklift training – training is vitally important for making sure you know how to operate a forklift truck effectively. Training should be delivered by a professional instructor and if you’ve been trained before, don’t assume you know everything – a refresher is always helpful!

Do you know your forklift? To drive a forklift effectively you’ve got to be properly acquainted with it – The forks carry the load, the mast raises the forks and the counterweight at the back ensures total stability. Check you know where the key controls are for moving the forklift and controlling the forks.

Do your checks! Before you go, check everything is working correctly – safety always comes first. Check everything is clear around you, that your path doesn’t have any hazards in the way (including people).

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

Whilst some myths and legends are fun, forklift myths are very much the opposite. If you’re looking for more advice about forklifts, look no further – here’s some of the top myths about forklifts debunked!

Any forklift can do the job. Not true at all – there are a number of specialist models depending on your products, requirements and available space. Think carefully when considering what sort of forklift you need in your warehouse.

Forklift maintenance is optional, most important when your forklift breaks. Absolutely not the case! Regular maintenance means you can catch small problems before they become fatal to your vehicle – make sure you have a regular forklift maintenance schedule – and stick to it!

Forklifts are easy to operate without training. Importantly, this is absolutely untrue – training is imperative. Not only should only trained professionals use forklifts, but their training should be regularly refreshed – best practise can change and bad habits can creep in. A strong training schedule is an absolute must.

And that’s where we can help!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].