The arrival of winter brings more than just a chill in the air — it introduces a range of hazards that could severely disrupt your operations.
Slippery surfaces, lower visibility, and the natural toll of cold weather make for a risky environment. Every year, countless worksites face unplanned downtime simply because they weren’t prepared for what winter throws at them.
That doesn’t have to be your story.
Let’s dive into the practical steps you can take to safeguard your team and equipment and ensure that your worksite stays up and running smoothly, no matter how harsh this weather gets.
What can I do?
Cold conditions don’t just affect people — they affect your equipment too. Below are a series of actionable tips to prepare your site, operators, and trucks for the winter months ahead.
- Battery maintenance: It is what keeps your truck running and unfortunately, cold weather means reduced battery efficiency. So, keeping batteries charged as well as checking water levels is key. Also, try to store them in a warm environment to ensure they’re ready to perform at an optimal level when called upon.
- Coolant levels: Ensure correct levels are maintained as cold temperatures mean you need to pay closer attention. Leaks are also more likely in freezing temperatures, so regularly inspecting for any issues can reduce the risk of an operator dealing with a malfunction at a critical moment.
- Increase maintenance frequency: Wintery conditions can create more issues causing increased downtime and inefficient operations. More frequent maintenance gives you the chance to spot these issues earlier before they cost you time and money. Consider adjusting your service schedules to account for these more challenging conditions.
- Tyre checks: The right tyres can make all the difference. Tyres with wear and tear pose a significant hazard in slippery conditions. Ensuring that tyre pressure is correct and that tyres are appropriate for winter work will help keep your trucks stable on wet or icy surfaces, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents.
- Lighting and visibility: With shorter days, your site will likely be plunged into darkness far earlier than usual, meaning visibility becomes a concern. Ensure that your trucks and site have proper lighting. Encourage operators and those working around trucks to wear high-visibility clothing. It’s not just about seeing where you’re going; it’s also about being seen.
- Warm up the trucks: Like cars, forklifts need the chance to warm up to the conditions. This helps to prevent issues with combustion and transmission that could lead to downtime.
- Prepare your operators for the cold: Don’t forget about your people. When workers are cold, their dexterity, focus, and mobility suffer, which increases the likelihood of accidents. Equipping your team with winter gear, like insulated gloves and jackets, helps to keep them comfortable and productive. This small investment in their well-being will pay off with higher safety standards and better output.
winter-ready forklift features
Thankfully, there are plenty of features that can help reduce the risk of accidents, downtime, and operator injury this winter. For example:
- Climate-controlled cabins: These help to counter the freezing outdoor temperatures. It keeps the operator comfortable and focused, maximising their output.
- High-capacity batteries: These can help counter the battery-draining effects of cold temperatures, reducing downtime and the need for frequent changeovers.
- Electric differential lock: Provides optimum traction on wet and slippery surfaces, helping trucks maintain stability in treacherous conditions.
- Intelligent Cornering System: Wet or icy conditions increase the risks involved while turning. This system automatically slows down trucks before turns, ensuring a smoother and safer manoeuvre.
Taking the time to prepare your trucks, worksite, and operators for winter conditions isn’t just about safety — it’s about maintaining productivity. Each of these measures can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns. And by investing in more frequent maintenance and cold proofing your vehicles, you’re protecting your business from expensive downtime and delays.
Need help preparing your worksite for winter? Call us on 0845 3713048 or visit our contact page.