Electric Pallet Jack Injuries and Accidents - Pallet Truck Injuries

What are the most common electric pallet jack injuries?

1. Strains and Sprains - These usually happen when the operator lifts or moves heavy loads, instead of using the equipment as intended. It causes injuries in the muscles and joints, especially in the back, shoulders, and wrists.

2. Crush Injuries - The operator's hands and feet are at risk of being caught between the electric pallet jack and an obstacle such as a rack or wall, especially in narrow areas. This could result to fractures, crushed limbs or even death in some cases.
3. Injury from Falling Goods - If you're using an electric pallet jack with a mast, then it's important that you secure the load on the forks to prevent it from falling towards you or anyone else near the area. Also, make sure that you don't exceed the maximum rated load capacity.
4. Trips and Slips - Uneven surfaces, obstacles, or wet floors can result in employees tripping or slipping while operating the electric pallet jack. These incidents can cause them to land on their tailbone or suffer from bruises or fractures. 

By following proper safety guidelines and ensuring that the electric pallet jack is used correctly, operators can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

How to avoid electric pallet jack injuries

To prevent electric pallet jack injuries, you need a combination of proper training, following safety procedures, and maintaining a hazard-free work environment. Consider the following tips:

• Training Programs - Make sure that every employee, especially operators, receives proper training on how to operate electric pallet jacks safely. They should learn about load capacities, safe handling methods, and environmental awareness.
• Proper Safety Gear - Equip your employees with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as steel-toed boots, gloves, and high-visibility vests, to reduce the risk of crush injuries and improve visibility, especially in busy areas. 
• Regular Maintenance - To minimize the possibility of malfunctions that could result in accidents, do routine pallet jack maintenance checks and inspections on the electric pallet jack to find and fix any mechanical issues as soon as possible.
• Clear Communication - Establish clear communication protocols, such as hand signals or audible warnings, to alert nearby workers when operating electric pallet jacks and to prevent getting trapped or crushed.
• Organize Workspaces - Keep work areas well-lit, organized, and free from clutter or obstructions to allow safe maneuvering of electric pallet jacks and reduce the risk of trips, falls, or impacts.
  Loading dock lights, for example are great for keeping your loading dock safe when it's dark in the warehouse.
  
  

Do you need training to operate a pallet jack?

Yes, proper training is needed for anyone who will operate electric pallet jacks. These devices may seem easy to use, but improper handling or lack of proper knowledge can lead to accidents with serious consequences.

Electric pallet jack training should cover the technical aspects of operating the equipment, the safety practices and hazard recognition. Regular refresher courses can help reinforce these skills and keep employees informed. 

Get a new electric pallet jack for your warehouse

Investing in new electric pallet jacks equipped with modern safety features can help prevent the risk of injuries and accidents in your workplace. For example - our electric pallet jacks are equipped with an Emergency Stop buttons so that you don't get crushed, as well as turtle walk buttons so that you can move slowly and carefully when operating heavy loads or tight spaces.

And where better to get your new electric pallet jack than here at WarehouseWiz? Our equipment is high-quality, safe, and affordable. In fact, you can expect to save 50% or more compared to large brands selling the same equipment. 

Contact us today to get a quote or browse through our catalogue to see for yourself!