Did you know that at least 1 in every 10 forklifts is involved in an accident every year in the United States? These accidents occur due to different reasons, including untrained operators, poor maintenance, overloading, and unsafe load arrangement. 

Therefore, you need to know the standard safety guidelines you should follow. This is particularly critical if you have rented the forklift. The following are safety tips to keep in mind when using a rented forklift.

1. Train Your Operators

You should not allow untrained operators to manage forklifts on your site because they are likely to cause accidents. If you don't have trained personnel in your team, hire some from the rental company. You might also need to take some of your employees through a training program in accordance with OSHA standards to get the relevant certification. 

The employees should be trained on how to handle, inspect, and operate different types of forklifts. Despite going through the training and being certified, the operators should also enhance their knowledge and skills using lectures, practical sessions, and tutorial videos. Ensure you train them if you rent an advanced forklift. 

2. Inspect the Equipment

Forklift inspection before use can prevent many accidents. Every day, you should inspect the brakes, steering controls, fluid levels, leaks, tire condition, guards, seat belts, and horns. This will help you spot issues early before you start operations. 

Moreover, you should inspect the equipment before hiring. If you want to use the forklift for a long time, you should hire an expert to inspect the forklift regularly. Most rental companies offer maintenance checks, making work more manageable for you. 

3. Make the Work Site Clear

You need to ensure no worker is near or under the machine during operations. Lay down strict rules to restrict movement around the forklift.

In some instances, a worker or pedestrian may be on their phone and may not be quick to spot the forklift. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of accidents with warning lights. 

These bright lights can warn anyone of an approaching forklift. If you rented a forklift model that doesn't have these lights, ask the company if they can install them for you. 

You should also have floor markings to show operators and other workers the areas to avoid to prevent accidents. For instance, you should mark pedestrian routes, hazardous areas, emergency paths, and electrical area boundaries. 

4. Install an Anti-Static Ground Strap

Static electricity is usually produced when forklifts land. The energy generates when the machine's tires come into contact with the ground. During high-speed operations, the produced static electricity can be so strong that it can injure an operator. 

Therefore, you should consider installing an anti-static ground strap to transfer the electricity to the ground and not back into the machine. If the rented forklift has non-marking tires infused with anti-static features, you don't need the ground strap.

5. Wear Protective Clothing

You and your employees should wear protective clothing at all times while using the forklift. You should have gloves, boots, and eyewear to minimize the risk of injury. Also, you should wear highly reflective clothing to increase visibility and reduce the chances of collisions.

6. Ensure the Load Is Safe and Secure

Every forklift has its maximum lifting capacity, and you should not exceed the limit. If you have a large load to lift, rent a forklift with a high capacity. 

You should be careful about how you arrange the load and use bindings or ropes when necessary. Don't exceed the recommended speed limit. Always slow down when changing directions. 

Forklift safety measures can help you avoid accidents on the worksite. Our company offers different types of equipment that can be used in a construction site, warehouse, and at home. If you need forklifts or other heavy equipment, contact us today for more information.