While many businesses rightly focus on preventing slips for pedestrians, forklift skidding poses just as much of a risk, both to operators and those working nearby. Skidding forklifts can cause serious accidents, damage inventory, and result in costly downtime.
As a long-standing Mitsubishi forklift dealer, we’ve seen firsthand how proper planning and simple safety measures can make a huge difference. Here are six practical ways you can reduce the risk and prevent forklift skidding in your facility:
1. Marked Walkways for Pedestrians
Separating foot traffic from forklift routes is a key step in reducing the risk of accidents. Ensure pedestrian zones are marked using high-visibility tape or paint, and where possible, install physical barriers to keep these areas distinct. This not only improves safety for employees on foot but also gives forklift drivers clear lanes of movement. This is essential when surfaces may be slippery.
2. Adjusting Driver Behaviour in Wet Conditions
The weather has a direct impact on forklift safety. When rain or wet conditions are expected, forklift operators should:
- Reduce their speed to allow for longer stopping distances
- Take wider, more controlled turns
- Check tyre condition regularly to ensure grip is maintained
At Jofson, we provide training and support for safe forklift operation, and adapting to changing conditions is a key part of that.
3. Use Entrance Matting to Keep Tyres Clean and Dry
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of skidding is to install heavy-duty entrance matting designed explicitly for forklift traffic. These mats help remove excess water and debris from forklift tyres before they enter the main workspace. By keeping both tyres and floors dry, you maintain better traction and reduce the chance of a skid inside your warehouse.
4. Install Drainage at Key Entry Points
Poor drainage around warehouse entrances leads to standing water, which means more debris is tracked inside by forklifts. Invest in proper graded drainage or sloped entryways to redirect water away from main access points.
Keeping external areas free from pooled water will reduce the amount that ends up on your floors.
5. Keep Floors Clean and Well Maintained
Routine cleaning is essential. Dirt, oil, and moisture all contribute to reduced grip, so make floor cleaning a priority, especially in areas with heavy forklift traffic.
It’s also worth inspecting your warehouse floor for cracks, dips, or damaged coatings that could allow water to collect. Keeping the surface smooth and well-sealed helps minimise risk.
6. Consider Specialist Mats for High-Traffic Zones
Products like Waterhog Forklift Mats are designed to handle the weight and movement of forklifts while actively cleaning tyres. These mats:
- Remove moisture, dirt, and grit
- Prevent contaminants from spreading across the warehouse
- Improve tyre grip where it matters most
Installing them at entrances and other problem areas can significantly reduce the chances of skidding.
Keeping Your Warehouse Safe with Jofson
At Jofson, safety and productivity go hand in hand. Preventing forklift skidding not only protects your people and stock but also helps prolong the life of your equipment, something Mitsubishi forklifts are already known for.
If you’d like expert advice on forklift safety, driver training, or finding the right equipment for your site, speak to our team. We’re here to help you get the best from your materials handling operations.
Contact Jofson today to learn more about safe forklift operation or to discuss your forklift fleet needs.