The Dangers of Skipping Forklift Inspections

When a forklift problem arises, it’s usually due to inaccurate forklift inspection reporting, which leads to inadequate forklift maintenance and downtime. When a forklift problem is under control and the forklift is in good condition and inspected, the lift truck should pose minimal risk in the manufacturing, warehouse or distribution center, as well as to its workers, products and the operators. However, when forklift inspections are missed or skipped, the risk for downtime and pedestrian / operator injuries will greatly increase.

Minimizing a forklift problem not only helps to ensure the forklift is in good working condition, but it’s also a requirement of OSHA. Let’s discuss what can go wrong with forklifts when all those responsible fails to submit forklift inspections.

What is a Forklift Problem?

When a forklift problem occurs on a forklift, it’s usually due to wear and tear on the lift truck itself. Some of the common forklift problems that operators experience may include:

• Defective tire treads, which means the tires have excessive wear
• Malfunctioning brakes, which can clearly cause an accident
• Overheating of the engine
• Electrical shorts and sparks due to corrosion
• Steering wheel issues caused by low levels of fluid

A single forklift problem can affect the performance, efficiencies and operation of the lift truck.

Skipping a Forklift Inspection

Skipping just one forklift inspection can have consequences. These can include:

• OSHA Violations and Fines – We all know that OSHA requires a safe workplace for its workers. Skipping a single forklift inspection can cause an injury to a person, downtime of the forklift which both in turn can cost the company money.
• Forklift Repairs – We all know that scheduled preventative maintenance will save money and unnecessary downtime. Keeping current with maintenance will cost you less money in the long run as you’ll be identifying issues and taking care of them before it gets out of control.
• Productivity and Profit Declines – Forklift inspections are missed due to the driver being late, rushed or simply save time. This will cost the company in order fulfillment, customer profits and more.
• Accidents and Injuries – It goes without saying that missed forklift inspections can cause serious accidents and injuries. According to OSHA 70% of forklift accidents could be avoided with proper training and safety procedures.

Ensure Safety by Digitizing the Forklift Inspection

Solving the biggest forklift problem, forklift inspection, begins by scanning the QR code on the forklift operators badge or entering a PIN number. As soon as this happens, the forklift checklist that is assigned to the forklift will come up on the tablet screen. Answer each question with the universal language of ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ until the questions are complete.

One way managers can ensure that each question is read, is to turn on the ‘randomize’ button in the telemetry Dashboard. Now, the questions will be randomized and the forklift operator will need to read and accurately answer the question. If done quickly, the operator will run the risk of a ‘failed’ inspection. If a failed inspection occurs, the manager(s) will be immediately notified.

Dashboard

All of the inspections, passed and failed are logged into your telemetry Dashboard. Our graphics-based system will allow you to quickly view the total number of inspections, passes and failures. Now click on it and you’ll view the next level down of details by worksite, asset, or operator to gain more details.

Contact us today at sales@siera.ai or call us at (512) 817 0702.