Avoid expensive repair bills

While agency drivers may not be overly concerned if forklifts pick up a few bumps and scrapes, Briggs Equipment has issued a timely reminder that the company hiring in the trucks is responsible for machine repair bills due to damage.

National rental manager Allan Parsons said: “Logistics companies tend to be well-prepared for the Easter rush because it happens every year and experience has taught them the benefits of planning ahead. However, they don’t always think about the damage implications of using temporary staff at other times.

“Our aim is to remind any business that hires in forklift trucks and drivers to increase their capacity for a short period about the importance of managing the situation properly so that they don’t get stung with expensive repair bills at the end of the equipment hire contract.”

Briggs has come up with ten top tips to help prevent damage to forklift trucks, goods and property, and reduce the risk of injury to the workforce.  

The advice to managers of materials handling equipment fleets is:

• Ensure that temporary staff are qualified and properly trained to operate the equipment they will be using. 

• Familiarise drivers with lift trucks.

• Impress upon drivers the importance of carrying out a daily check before they start their shift.

• Choose equipment fitted with reversing bleepers or other safety systems designed to alert drivers to obstacles and pedestrians

• Remember that speed is a major factor in accidents involving forklift trucks. 

• Be aware that not all agency drivers will have English as their first language. 

• Explain to drivers the need to be extra vigilant during the night shift. 

• If the forklift is fitted with a paper roll or Bale clamp, consider hiring equipment with gated hydraulics, which eliminate the potential for drivers to accidently pull the wrong lever. 

• For more accurate logistics management give serious consideration to hiring equipment fitted with a telemetry system. 

• Work with a reputable supplier.