A tipping forklift is one of the most common causes of forklift related deaths and injury. A forklift tips when its stability is compromised, and speed is a regular cause of forklift instability. Operating a forklift at a speed that's needlessly fast or above the workplace limit can also cause the forklift to become uncontrollable, make it difficult to spot hazards, and enhance the probability of collisions. By speeding, the operator is unnecessarily putting themselves, other operators, and all nearby pedestrians in grave danger.

Managers and supervisors must impose strict guidelines for forklift safety, including speeding. There are numerous ways to achieve effective speed control in the workplace:

• Ensure speed limits are clearly marked and visible in and around the workplace. Enforce these limits at all times.
• Ensure speed limits match the working environment and conditions. Indoor speeds limits and those in high traffic areas may need to be different to those that are outdoors and in open space.
• Do not burden operators with unrealistic workloads and deadlines that will encourage speeding in order to achieve them.
• Where possible, separate forklifts and pedestrians. In cases where full separation cannot occur, reduce speed limits to walking pace.
• Train operators at regular intervals to keep the idea of safety fresh on their minds.
• Ensure all forklifts are equipped with speed limiting devices.

Speed limiting devices are an effective way of controlling speed. They allow you to dictate the speed of the forklift depending on the environmental conditions, weight and height of the load, and the turning radius of the forklift. A speed limiting device is a standard feature on Mitsubishi forklifts. Furthermore, MLA technicians can set a certain speed on the forklift that operators will not be able to tamper with, thus taking away the opportunity to go faster than the established limit.

Just as it is with cars on the road, speeding with a forklift at the workplace is nothing short of foolish, needlessly compromising the safety of many.

Information for this article was sourced from SafeWork Australia & WorkSafe VIC.

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The competence gained from the practical training that's required to obtain a high risk work licence is basic. When training is completed and licence is obtained, operators are assumed to be competent at simple forklift operations. In the majority of workplaces that is simply not enough. This initial training is likely completed on a standard forklift with a standard mast that has no attachments and is lifting very light loads. Operators should receive training in the operation of the forklifts and attachments that they are using and training on the risks and control measures relevant to their specific work environment.

Safe Work Australia suggests that this training should be provided by a competent person and should include:

• Particular information on the industrial lift truck, such as: position, function and operating sequence of controls, relevant design features and centre of gravity, how to estimate the load centre of the item to be lifted, and capacity, stability and limitations of the industrial lift truck.
• Attachments and components which can be used. (When attachments are fitted, the centre of gravity and lifting capacity will almost certainly change).
• Safety features, such as guarding, emergency stop controls and warning devices.
• Safe work practices that apply to the industrial lift truck and the relevant work areas, including the safety of pedestrians.
• Operating conditions in all work areas including traffic rules, rights of way, and clearances from overhead electric lines.
• Procedures for reporting any fault, unsafe practice, damage to the industrial lift truck, accidents or near misses.
• Inspection, maintenance and repair responsibilities.
• Emergency procedures.

Assumption that a licenced operator is competent at all forklift related work can lead to avoidable incidents where safety is compromised. Managers and supervisors must provide site and equipment specific training to maintain and enhance operators' skills. Regular refresher training is also recommended.

Information for this article was sourced from www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.

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Separating forklifts and pedestrians has long been a problem for workplace managers and supervisors. This task becomes more difficult when forklifts cannot be seen or heard. It is particularly hard to know when electric forklifts are approaching in a warehouse. Whenever there is any chance that a forklift and a pedestrian will cross paths, safety precautions must be taken to prevent accidents.

A forklift approach warning light, more commonly known as a blue safety light system, ensures greater safety in warehouse aisles, blind spots, and confusing crossing points. It has become a sought after solution for counterbalance and warehouse forklifts.The lights can be mounted to both the front and back of the forklift. A bright, usually blue, light is projected onto the floor, several metres ahead of the forklift in the direction of travel. This light warns pedestrians and other operators that a forklift is approaching. The light moves only when the forklift does, thus pedestrians are aware when the forklift is stationary or on the move.

Safe Work Australia suggests that the use of visual warning systems is an important factor to consider for your traffic management plan. A forklift approach warning light provides many benefits, including:

• Early warning of an approaching forklift.
• Improves safety in aisles, blind spots and crossing points.
• When mounted correctly it is not sensitive to vibration.
• Also available in red, to provide the best possible contrast to the floor surface.
• Provides a clear indication of the forklift's position and movement.

Making forklifts more noticeable in your facility will only help you have a more effective traffic management plan. Warning pedestrians and other operators of approaching forklifts will no doubt reduce the potential for accidents and injuries.

MLA Holdings can fit all Mitsubishi counterbalance and warehouse forklifts with a suitable forklift approach warning system upon request.

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The weight, shape, size and composition of a load affect the way it should be lifted. Before picking up any load, it is crucial to know the forklift's load capacity. This can be found on the forklift's load capacity plate, which details the load each forklift can safely lift. Overloading can damage the forklift and increase the possibility of accidents.

It is important to check the load before you start. Things you need to consider include:

• If any materials are damaged, remove them.
• When loads are particularly long or wide, map out a suitable route.
• Ensure the load and the tynes are centred.
• If the load comprises different lengths of material, ensure the point of balance is in the middle of the tynes.

SafeWork Australia states that; "Loads should be firmly placed against the carriage or back-rest with the mast tilted back sufficiently to safeguard against the load slipping, falling or rolling off the fork tynes. All loads that have the potential to slip, fall or roll off the fork tynes or pallet must be appropriately restrained with straps or similar." Unbalanced loads can cause the forklift to tip over.

WorkCover NSW suggests the following precautions when carrying a load:

• Do not drive with a raised load.
• Do not pull or drag loads.
• Do not sling loads from tynes, as there may be a risk of the load sliding off the tynes.
• Drive in reverse if a bulky load obscures your forward view.
• When operating the forklift on an incline, the load must be tilted back and raised only as far as needed to clear the road surface. The load must be facing up the incline.

It is crucial that operators never overload the forklift, secure their loads, and take extra precautions when carrying odd and oversized loads.

All forklifts supplied by MLA Holdings are fitted with valid and legible load capacity plates that comply with the Australian Standard. Information for this article was sourced from SafeWork Australia and WorkCover NSW.

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Ken's Korner

Over the years as our company continued to grow all of our original rented premises have groaned under the strain of this expansion and it has been necessary to move to bigger premises in all mainland states...

For the full article please download the pdf here.

Bigger and Better MLA Adelaide

In an exciting start to 2015, MLA Holdings is delighted to announce that the South Australian branch moved to a brand new location in February. The new premises are located at 585 South Road, Regency Park, SA, 5010. MLA is looking forward to serving its South Australian customers from this new location with the quality and forklift service that its reputation is built on. The rapid growth of MLA's sales of forklifts in Adelaide and the Mitsubishi Forklift brand in South Australia necessitated the move to much larger premises...

For the full article please download the pdf here.

New Forklifts

2015 promises to be an exciting year for MLA Holdings with the arrival of several new forklifts. After the successful introduction of the brand new FD70NM in late 2014, MLA is pleased to announce the imminent arrival of four new forklifts in 2015, adding to an already impressive range of counterbalance forklifts and warehouse forklifts. Due to arrive soon are the SENSIA RB-N2 reach truck, the RBF-CA reach truck, the FD160AN1 Diesel Counterbalance forklift, and the long awaited Pantograph double deep reach truck.

These new forklifts embody Mitsubishi's famous quality and reliability and are all expected to be available in Australia exclusively from MLA Holdings during 2015...

For the full article please download the pdf here.

To view the March/April 2015 MLA Newsletter in full please download the pdf here.

According to Safe Work Australia pre-start safety checks or procedures should include the following:

• Lift and tilt systems including the correct operation of attachments such as clamps, hydraulics lines (for oil leaks), chains, cables and limits.
• Steering, brakes (including park brakes), controls and lights.
• Each tyre for wear, damage, and inflation (pneumatic types)
• Guarding is in place and functional, for example, around the battery compartment or fuel lines.
• All warning devices are operational.
• Fork arms and attachments (for deformation, damage or wear)
• Liquid levels, for example, hydraulic oil, brake fluid and water.
• Gas cylinder, where relevant, and its securing system.
• Check the condition and adjustment of the seat and seat belts to ensure they work reliably.
• Load capacity data plate is fitted, legible and correct.
• Mast: check for signs of wear, damage, cracks or repairs.

If any defects are identified, complete the operational checklist with details and follow organisational policies and procedures for tagging out of equipment and reporting. The forklift pre-start checklist should only be conducted by operators who are trained to do so, while any maintenance and repairs must be done by persons who are competent and authorised to do so.

Aside from reducing the risk of injury to the operator and other employees, the pre-start inspection will also improve the condition of the forklift, increase productivity, and reduce downtime and maintenance costs.

MLA Holdings has an excellent reputation for keeping the forklifts they provide operating at peak performance. MLA's trained technicians can respond to any defects identified in the pre-start checklist inspection almost immediately.

Information for this article was sourced from Safe Work Australia and the Nationwide Training Forklift Operation Manual.

Download the pdf here.