You Can Never Be Too Safe – The Benefits of Safety Equipment.

Posted on October 10, 2017October 19, 2023 by Mackenzie Brown

When it comes to your business, safety should always be the number one priority. Safety is the key to creating and maintaining a productive and profitable working environment.

Under what’s known as the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) employers are responsible for maintaining a work environment free from conditions that might cause death or injury. Employers whose workplace present dangerous conditions risk violating the General Duty Clause unless they take measures to lessen the danger. If that’s not scary enough, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported there are 19,000 forklift/pedestrian incidents each year. On average, those incidents cost employers $38,000 in direct expenses and almost four times as much for indirect costs.

Southeast Industrial Equipment offers an affordable safety package complete with fire extinguishers, back-up alarms, and strobe lights. Together, these inexpensive additions are a great way to help reduce the chances of forklift accidents.

Fire Extinguishers

While OSHA does not require forklifts to be equipped with fire extinguishers, quick access to one can be the difference between life and death! Fire extinguishers are an especially wise option on LP-Gas forklifts operated in areas containing flammable liquids.

Back-up Alarms and Strobe Lights

Workers die every year from being backed over by vehicles. From 2005 -2010, forklifts ranked fourth in the number of these fatalities. Back-up alarms are one of the most valuable tools for preventing forklift injuries and fatalities. While some back-up alarms automatically adjust their volume to be greater than the ambient noise of the facility, workers can become immune to repetitive sounds. Some PPE dampens noise, further limiting the effectiveness of the alarm. This means back-up alarms are best used in conjunction with visual alarms, like strobe lights or blue lights.

Strobe lights on forklifts let everyone in the vicinity know that a truck is present. The flashing lights provide a visual warning system alerting employees of the whereabouts of the truck. In work environments where noise levels are elevated and back-up alarms might go unnoticed, lights provide an additional layer of protection to employees.

Blue Safety Lights

If you’re truly committed to safety, consider upgrading to the blue safety light. The blue light shines on the floor in front of or behind the truck, telling pedestrians not just where the truck is, but where it’s going. Most importantly, the blue light can be seen around corners and blind spots, drastically reducing potential for collisions.

“It is better to be safe than sorry.” It’s cliché because it’s true. When it comes to protecting your business and employees, you can never be too safe. Contact SIE today to discuss how we can help you protect your employees and your business.

Check List to Check your Lift

Posted on March 26, 2015October 19, 2023 by SIElift

Safety Checklist

A giant dent in your overhead guard is easy to spot at first sight, but what if there was a tiny leak from your propane valve? Would you be able to easily spot that? Chances are a busy operator could miss it. Planned maintenance isn’t the only thing that can be done to keep your equipment running in prime condition. In addition to planned maintenance, your operators should go through the daily operation checklist before each shift to ensure the piece of equipment is safe to operate.

Not only is it required by OHSHA, but a log will also help your operators be more aware and keep them accountable for how they treat the equipment, cutting down on misuse. If the lift needs a repair make sure you have the proper procedure in place.

Tag the equipment inoperable (WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE!), make sure it is visible.
Immediately notify the appropriate party.
Keep the phone number of your repair service or person on the forklift.
Log what needs repair, when the repair was made, and how much it cost to fix.

Tracking how often your forklift needs repair, as well as the cost, will keep you cognizant of your cost of ownership. If the machine is often out of service perhaps operators need further training operating the truck.

The greatest way a checklist will benefit your business and operators is safety. A truck should not be used when it is unsafe for operation. Forklifts are an investment in your company, and cost thousands of dollars; therefore a daily operator checklist is an easy way to prevent accidents and injury without spending money. Remember these machines literally weigh tons, with many moving parts, thus it is important to keep them in optimal condition.

The following is an example of a checklist OSHA suggests for your lift truck:

KEY OFF Procedures

The vehicle inspection
- Overhead guard
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Mast assembly
- Lift chains and rollers
- Forks
- Tires
- LPG tank and locator pin
- LPG tank hose
- Gas gauge
Check the engine oil level
Examine the battery
Inspect the hydraulic fluid level
Check the engine coolant level

KEY ON Procedures

Test the standard equipment
- Front, tail, and brake lights
- Fuel gauge (if diesel)
- Windshield wiper
- Heater

ENGINE RUNNING Procedures

Check the gauges
- Oil pressure indicator lamp
- Ammeter indicator lamp
- Ammeter
- Hour Meter
- Water Temperature Gauge
Test the standard equipment
- Steering
- Brakes
- Horn
- Safety seat (if equipped)
Check the operation of load-handling attachments
Check the transmission fluid level

Visit OSHA’s website for more information.

https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/pit_checklist.html

Not Just a One Trick Pony

Posted on September 3, 2014November 3, 2015 by SIElift

It is becoming more and more common; you are able to find anything and everything you need in one place. Super Wal-Mart is a great example; they have everything from milk and eggs to 60” televisions. A one stop shop for you to get everything you need and want.
Here at Southeast Industrial Equipment our goal is to be a full service provider for your material handling needs. We are here to bring solutions to your warehouse dilemmas. We do this by touring your facility and bringing you a full range of options to optimize your operations.
SIE is a Toyota Lift Truck dealer, but we aren’t a one trick pony. We offer a wide range of equipment to add to your fleet. We have aerial lifts, construction equipment, sweeper scrubbers, utility vehicles, and yard spotters. Our relationship with your company doesn’t end there; if a piece of equipment needs to be serviced we can handle that as well. What if your warehouse needs racking or a dock leveler? No worries, we can help.
We do have new equipment, but we also offer a wide range of used equipment. We have weekly and monthly rentals to accommodate those who don’t need machines year round. When service, preventative maintenance, or a safety check is needed; we will take care of those things too. If you have a new associate, schedule a training session to have them become a certified forklift operator.
“Our primary mission is to be the premier supplier of quality products and superior service in our industry, achieving mutually rewarding relationships with our customers and vendors while providing our associates with a safe, secure and rewarding work environment.”
From new forklifts to warehouse supplies, let SIE be your full service provider. Call us (866) 696-9125 or visit us online at www.sielift.com.

Rent or Own We’re Southern Known

Posted on March 7, 2014November 3, 2015 by SIElift

At Southeast Industrial Equipment we offer a variety of lift trucks, construction equipment, and other industrial equipment for your material handling operations. When considering your business needs, there are many choices you will have to make. One of the questions many companies find themselves asking is: should I purchase or rent? There are pros to renting and owning, but it’s important to consider what your application will be and how long your business needs the equipment. Making this decision can be tough, especially when your application may call for everyday or just sporadic use. Also consider how quickly a need can arise for a piece of equipment. For example, generators though rarely used, are needed in the case of an emergency and would be smart to purchase for those occasions when it is needed right away.

If your application requires continual use, or equipment is operated to its maximum ability, it would be more cost effective and convenient to own it. The hour meter reading would not be monitored. When you own the lift truck, it will always be there when you need it. Purchasing is also made easier with the financing options that are available. In addition to financing; purchased equipment is tax deductible for the year it was bought, this helps business owners fiscally.

On the other hand, if a machine is not versatile and is infrequently used; renting is a more cost effective option. For companies without a significant amount of capital or well established credit, renting may be best. If you are renting; the cost for maintenance is generally included and the machine provider will service your lift truck at regular intervals.

Keep in mind the needs of your company, and the amount of upfront costs you can handle. In weighing these options you can make an educated decision on what’s best in your situation.

Here is a chart to better view your options when it comes to renting or purchasing a lift truck.

Purchase	Rent
Equipment is always available for use No need to depend on a third party Hour meter reading is not monitored Tax deductible Financing options available Lower monthly costs Most dealers will offer a trade-in price for lift trucks when you are ready to purchase a new machine	Lower upfront cost Do not need well established credit Short term or long term rental options Current models always available Do not have to purchase equipment that is used sparingly Rental company provides maintenance No long term commitment Do not have to find storage for equipment after the job is completed

Whether your company decides to own, rent, or a combination of both; Southeast Industrial Equipment has you covered. We have equipment available that will fit your needs. Please call (866) 696-9125 or go online www.sielift.com to make an appointment.

Work Place Safety Net

Posted on March 4, 2014November 3, 2015 by SIElift

When trapeze artists perform in a circus they are provided with a safety net. A “just in case” the routine doesn’t go the way it was planned. Banking institutions require a high credit score or collateral prior to lending money. Shareholders like security to reduce the risk of loss when investing their money in stocks. Vehicles deploy airbags in the event of an accident. These are all safety measures. Being prepared for the worst case scenario is not a new idea; neither is preventing the worst from happening. As the saying goes “better safe than sorry,” when it comes to material handling there are several different factors when creating your safe work space.

Safety goes beyond wearing a hard hat and safety goggles. There are many ways employees can increase safety precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. According to OSHA, lift truck accidents cause about 100 fatalities and 36,340 serious injuries every year in general industry and construction. Of these accidents approximately 20-25% are caused, at least in part, by inadequate training. Training is the most important factor in preventing accidents, and should be enforced from the top down. OSHA’s website provides videos, PowerPoint slides, and numerous resources to aid in preparing your employees for the equipment they will be using. Safety education and equipment certification should be thought of as an additional insurance policy to provide your employees with a safe environment.

Quick Safety Tips:

Operators should be trained to handle asymmetrical loads, and should never handle loads heavier than the weight capacity of the lift truck.
Designate walkways for pedestrians that are clearly marked and easy to follow. This will prevent forklifts and people traveling the same paths.
Narrow spaces make it hard to maneuver a forklift, make sure there is adequate space for your machine to move around.
Set speed limits and enforce them. The slower a forklift is traveling the easier it is to stop.

Accidents even with no injury to workers are costly to companies. Repair of facilities and replacing damaged goods is expensive and unproductive. A disabled machine means efficiency will be down and workers could be idle for hours or even days depending on the needed repair. Employees being trained and constantly aware of their surroundings will help minimize risk of accidents and injury. The best practice really is safety first. It saves time, money, and people’s lives. Keep employees safe and keep costs down by creating a safe work environment. If there is a question about a practice being safe, it probably isn’t.

At Southeast Industrial Equipment we provide employee training to assist your company. To request an appointment, please call (866) 696-9125 or visit us online at www.sielift.com.

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc.

Tag: Safe