Forklift safety cages are platforms used to lift a warehouse employee or employees to high-access areas to perform an occasional or short-duration task. They can also be referred to as a 'man cage', a 'man basket' or a 'forklift working platform'. They are used to lift warehouse employees to high-access areas to perform an occasional or short-duration task. Safety cages provide a secure and mobile workspace for workers to perform various tasks within a warehouse.
While forklifts are primarily used for lifting materials and products, adding a safety cage enables them to also lift people. This capability is invaluable in situations requiring access to elevated areas.
Working at heights presents inherent health and safety risks, making forklift safety cages essential equipment to have on-site or in the workplace for tasks requiring elevation. Forklift cages effectively transform a forklift into a stable and secure platform for elevated work.
When should you use a Forklift Safety Cage?
Forklifts and reach trucks are primarily designed for lifting materials and heavy objects, not people. However, there is often a need for a safe means of access when tasks need to be carried out at height. In such circumstances, a forklift safety cage can be used to provide secure access, acting as improvised stairs, a platform, or a ladder.
They are suitable for:
1. Emergency repair work that poses an immediate risk to employee safety if not addressed.
2. Non-routine maintenance tasks.
3. Situations where a forklift platform offers safer access compared to scaffolding or portable ladders.
4. Jobs where hiring dedicated people lifting equipment is not feasible due to the short duration or temporary nature of the task.
When using a forklift cage, you should:
Install safety cages on forklifts that have been rated for use
Stabilize the forklift on a hard, level surface
Wear the correct PPE, such as full fall arrest body harnesses and lanyards connected to anchor points
Steps to using a Forklift Safety Cage, safely.
TRAINING
The most crucial aspect of using a forklift safety cage is ensuring that all involved individuals are properly trained on its usage, including emergency procedures.
SAFETY CHECKS
Regular safety checks should be conducted by trained personnel, and the equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
COMMUNICATION
Clear communication between the forklift operator and the worker in the cage is essential to ensure safe operations.
BE AWARE OF THE LOAD LIMIT
Always check the load limit before attaching the safety cage to the forklift. Consider the weight of the cage, occupants, and tools to ensure it does not exceed the forklift's capacity.
SECURE ATTACHMENT
The platform must be securely attached to the forklift carriage or backrest to support the total weight of the safety cage and its contents.
WEAR PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Workers should wear appropriate protective gear, including hard hats, gloves, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing, and a harness or lanyard.
Forklift safety cages provide stability and convenience for working at height, making them essential equipment for forklift operations. For more information on forklift safety, refer to our other useful guides or contact us for further assistance.
