Forklift Operator Fatigue is One of the Major Causes of Forklift Accidents
Anyone who has spent years in sales, driving from one distant appointment to another, knows firsthand the danger of mixing fatigue and vehicle operation. Forklift drivers face the same problem. Long hours of monotony while operating a 3-ton, potentially lethal vehicle, paired with Forklift Operator Fatigue can present many opportunities for disaster.
Accidents caused by operator error cannot be completely eliminated. Here are seven tips for operators and managers to be aware of to minimize the chances of unfortunate incidents caused by operator fatigue and inattention.
1. Get a good night’s rest. Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. But you know how you fare when you haven’t gotten the proper amount of rest. If you need 8 hours of sleep to be your most alert at work, be sure to get it. Studies have shown that lack of a good night’s rest is one of the major causes of accidents caused by drivers, pilots, and machine operators.
2. Avoid 12-hour shifts, if possible. The demands of running a business, including having enough staff and meeting shipping and delivery deadlines, sometimes means forklift drivers have to work longer shifts. Managers should carefully monitor forklift drivers working extra hours and let them take a break at the first sign of inattention.
3. Take frequent breaks. If you are operating a forklift non-stop from the start to the end of your shift, you need to take multiple breaks. A good rule of thumb is to take a break after two hours of concentrated forklift operation. Sitting for hours on end in a forklift seat is not healthy. Walk around and shake out your stiffness. Adding a few simple stretches during those breaks can do wonders for the legs, arms, back and neck. Having a Physiotherapist provide your employees with a reference sheet of how to perform stretches can make a big difference in how they feel.
4. Make sure you are well-fueled and lubricated. Proper nutrition and hydration is important for anyone engaged in physical work, and forklift operation is no different. As a forklift operator, you are responsible for presenting to your employer someone who is sharp and attentive. Managers need to make sure forklift drivers have the opportunity to refuel and rehydrate as necessary.
5. Poor ergonomics can cause fatigue. A facility that’s too hot, too cold, too dark or too noisy can cause physical and mental fatigue. Make sure forklift operators have the proper clothing for the climate they are working in. If a facility has a high decibel level, hearing protection is a must. If a facility is dusty, provide the proper breathing apparatus. Proper lighting is important for safe and attentive forklift operation. Make sure the forklift is operating properly and that the driver’s seat and controls are ergonomically designed. A Full Suspension Seat can make a world of difference in comfort. Also, worn and damaged (chunked) tires can make for a rough, uncomfortable ride. A forklift that vibrates excessively can be a contributing factor to fatigue. Don’t cut corners on forklift maintenance. An accident is much more costly than a preventative maintenance program. Apex can provide a wide variety of parts and services to keep your equipment working at its best.
6. Don’t be a hero. Inform your manager if you feel that you can’t safely operate the forklift. If you’ve already worked a long shift and feel that you’re losing focus, let someone know. Everyone has stresses in their lives that can affect their performance at work–relationship problems, an all-night crying baby, money concerns–that can cause inattention at work. As a manager, you need to be aware that a worker’s personal life can sometimes impact their performance. It’s better to cut them some slack, especially if you’ve already invested in training the person and they have accumulated experience on the job.
7. If possible, mix up your work. Fatigue can set in from doing the same repetitive task for hours on end. Managers should try to vary the work that forklift drivers are engaged in to maintain a high level of attention to and interest in the tasks at hand. For even more safety tips, check out this blog.
At the end of the day, both managers and forklift operators need to understand that a forklift driver is a human being who has requirements and limitations. To get the optimum performance from that most valuable component of your material handling process, the forklift operator needs to be properly nurtured. That nurturing process starts with training.
Apex offers the forklift operator training that can put your drivers in the best position of being reliable and productive at their work. We can also perform a facility audit to recommend ways to maximize efficiency and safety. Apex is your go-to resource for material handling and warehouse products and services in the greater Chicagoland area.