In many warehouses, forklifts are more than just a convenience, they are a cornerstone for efficient operations. From moving pallets to keeping goods flowing through the supply chain, the right forklifts in the right hands can make the difference between smooth and costly delays.
But equipment alone isn’t enough. Safe operations, proper warehouse staffing, and the ability to scale your workforce quickly are just as important.
This guide covers why forklifts are essential, the safety protocols, and how flexible staffing options, like warehouse job apps, can help you keep operations running at full speed.
Why Forklifts Are Critical to Warehouse Efficiency
Forklifts play key roles in warehouse operations. These roles include, loading/unloading, pallet transport, stacking, and throughput acceleration.
Warehouses that utilize forklifts gain increased efficiency. Forklifts save time and reduce labor fatigue by transporting pallets quickly and efficiently.
Forklifts also increase scalability during peak and busy seasons. Forklifts are able to transport larger quantities of product faster than warehouse workers with a manual lift.
Forklifts have a high ROI, the cost of a forklift and a forklift certified driver is easily made up for by quicker order fulfillment. Manual labor is cheaper up front but offers little room for scalability.
Economic Impact: Cost Savings and Throughput
Forklift equipped operations have higher cost saving and a higher throughput. Though the upfront cost of forklift equipment and drivers is higher than manual handling there is cost savings through efficiency and speed.
Forklifts mitigate bottlenecks during surge periods and can keep warehouses running smoothly no matter the level of demand.
With the additional use of temporary warehouse workers or warehouse temp staffing, warehouses can easily flex up during high demand and flex down when demand drops.
Forklift Safety: Protocols You Can’t Ignore
Forklifts are one of the most valuable tools in your warehouse, yet they are also one of the most potentially dangerous if safety isn’t taken seriously. Safety isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting your people, equipment and inventory.
Forklift Safety Checklist
- Verify Certification - verify all workers certification including those from temp agencies near you.
- Pre-Shift Inspections - check breaks, steering, lights, hydraulics, forks before every shift.
- Follow load limits - never exceed rated capacity, secure and balance every load.
- Control speed - enforce indoor and outdoor speed limits and slow at blind corners.
- Separate traffic - mark pedestrian zones and right of way rules for forklifts and pickers and packers.
- Maintain Equipment - schedule regular service and address mechanical issues immediately.
- Report near misses - encourage quick reporting to prevent repeat hazards.
- Onboard every worker - include forklift safety in onboarding for every worker, including temporary warehouse workers.
- Monitor new temps - observe first shifts to ensure they meet both productivity and safety standards.
The first step to safety is validating forklift operator certifications. Every forklift operator must hold a valid OSHA-compliant certification. You can also require periodic safety retraining, especially for warehouse temp staffing or new hires.
Be sure to have pre-operation inspections. Checking brakes, steering, warning lights, horns, forks, and hydraulic systems before each shift helps eliminate potential unsafe conditions due to mechanical errors.
Enforce safe operating practices. Set clear speed limits for both indoor and outdoor operations and require operators to slow down, use spotters, and horns at blind corners. Implement clear pedestrian zones and right or way for forklift operators and picking and packing workers.
Scheduling regular maintenance can extend equipment life and reduce breakdowns during vital periods.
Lead by example, management should model safe practices at all times. Build safety into onboarding for every new worker and temp labor.
Staffing with Temp Labor & Warehouse Job Apps
In addition to forklifts temp labor is a valuable tool during spikes.
Using warehouse job apps or temp agencies near you, warehouses can find warehouse staff to come in and work during high demand.
There are forklift certified temporary warehouse workers on on-demand staffing apps, but be sure to validate their certification before the shift. Staffing apps can also be used to find warehouse workers to staff warehouse shifts in any department.
Some warehouses use staffing platforms to hire picking and packing workers while others use them to find general labor workers.
Conclusion
Forklifts are indispensable for speed and efficiency in warehouses. Utilizing forklifts is a powerful tool, be sure to prioritize safety to ensure your warehouse is cost effective and most importantly safe.
A strong forklift strategy and flexible temp staffing creates an efficient and scalable warehouse staffing strategy to be able to meet any demand.
