Forklifts In Winter

Forklift Winter Safety Guide

Forklift Winter Hazards include Cold, Snow and Ice, Wet Conditions, Slippery Conditions and Limited Visibility.

It is imperative that you teach your operators how to identify all possible hazards.

You can address many of these hazards by taking care of two things, your operator and your forklift.

Maintenance
  • Make sure you equip the forklifts with tyres for winter use, this will help with traction and stability. Find information about forklift tyres here
  • Ensure you have a winter service check before using the forklift in winter. Call Forkway for a free engineers assessment, let us tell you if your trucks are winter ready.
  • Store the forklift in a dry and secure area.
  • Make sure forklifts are plugged in if necessary.
  • Use top quality hydraulic fluid.
  • Purchase a high quality forklift cover to protect from snow, ice or rain.
  • Purchase any relevant winter forklift attachments.

Our top forklift attachments to ensure safety this winter are- 

Fork mounted snow ploughs and Forklift mounted gritters.

Shop our range of winter forklift accessories from our online webshop.

Health and Safety
  • We advise windproof clothing, warm gloves and a hat, and high visibility jackets.
  • Driver training –  The key to safe and efficient forklift operation is well-trained and attentive operators.

Choose a training course to suit your employees. From beginner to refresher courses we are here to ensure we provide high class safety training.

Winter Forklift Safety Top Tips!
  • Check the tyres
  • Check the lighting, is it sufficient?
  • Ensure you have your winter clothing on, a high visibility jacket is a must!
  • Check fuel/batteries and fluid levels
  • Allow your forklift to warm up properly, this is important for the engine and hydraulics
  • Reduce your speed! We advise you keep the speed as slow as possible and do not rush
  • Make sure any winter attachments are in place before using the forklift, for example snow attachments or chains.