Getting an efficient, tidy worksite isn’t an overnight process. It takes time. But it’s one of the best moves you can make to reduce workforce injuries, cut truck downtime, and save money in the long run.
knock-on effects
When your worksite’s a mess, things go wrong. Fast.
Truck damage, spilt loads, unplanned downtime. These can all increase when your organisation’s… organisation has gone out the window. They can have massive financial effects, your schedule gets thrown into chaos, and it snowballs. Expensive infrastructure like racking is also at risk, along with the loads themselves. The costs to repair and restock can multiply quickly, leaving you with a nasty bill and a still inefficient operation. So, if you weren’t motivated to make changes, you might be now.
Not only will an untidy worksite cost you money, it’ll cost you time. Who knows how long a damaged or broken-down truck will take to move and fix? You might even need to sort out hiring a replacement. There’s the cleanup time from any collateral damage. It all adds up.
And when you’ve got past the time cost and the money cost — there’s stress, the mental cost. The disruption will affect your team’s morale and productivity and could delay crucial deliveries.
But most importantly, a disorganised and untidy worksite is putting your employees at risk. And with 62,000 injuries occurring every year from forklift accidents, it’s more important than ever that you put them first. Unplanned staff absenteeism caused by an accident or injury can have just as drastic of an effect — often more — as a damaged truck.
So, while you might be thinking “well, we haven’t had an accident for a while”, it doesn’t mean you won’t. Be a smart and proactive organisation that gets ahead of the curve. Look for risks that can be resolved before a serious incident occurs, leaving your operation hanging in the balance.
action over words
While a change in attitude is good, genuine change requires resources. Instead of seeing order and tidiness as a cost, appreciate it as an investment in structures and behaviours that will deliver genuine benefits.
So, what are some steps you can take?
- Carry out a risk assessment
Start by figuring out where the dangers are. A simple risk assessment can help you spot trouble before it strikes. Need a hand? Use this risk assessment template to get started. - Choose trucks with built-in safety features
Let your trucks take some of the strain off safety. There are a range of innovative products available, such as anti-collision systems, proximity sensors, and safety zone beams aren’t just clever — they can save lives. Having the right tools helps you to combat the chaotic environment of a worksite.
- Storage systems
Is your storage system helping or hurting your operation? In most worksites, more than one storage method is normally used. Different systems have different strengths and weaknesses, and making the right decision goes a long way towards creating an effective goods flow. The choice of storage system is guided by three main factors:
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The range of merchandise
- The frequency of demand
- The rate of turnover
Depending on your industry and the goods you handle, space usage and handling methods will differ. It’s important to ensure the storage system you use is the right one. When everything’s in the right place, your team spends less time searching and more time getting things done.
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- Create designated walkways
Trucks and pedestrians don’t mix (or at least they shouldn’t), so give them their own space. Where it’s unavoidable that trucks and colleagues on foot must share the same workspaces, it’s vital to keep them apart as much as possible. Painted lines and hashed areas are an option, but raised pavements and physical barriers made of steel or plastic are far more effective. These will prevent pedestrians from walking directly into the path of an oncoming truck. - Seek assistance
Sometimes, you just need a fresh pair of eyes. That’s where Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks comes in. Our specialists have seen it all and can help you turn chaos into calm. Let us guide you to a worksite that’s orderly, safer, and productive.
Don’t wait for an accident to remind you how important safety is. Take charge now. A tidy, organised worksite isn’t just safer—it’s smarter. And if you need help getting started, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Need help? Contact our experts at info@mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk
