Hole lot of trouble

Pot holes and other defects in the yards of industrial facilities such as factories, warehouses and distribution centres caused by the freezing conditions last winter could lead to significant damage to forklift trucks working in the area, according to Peter Scott, Jungheinrich UK's Group HSE manager.

He says: “In outdoor areas where lift trucks are in operation, any pot holes should be repaired as quickly as possible. Unlike cars, forklift trucks do not have sophisticated suspension systems and driving a lift truck over a substantial pot hole risks causing damage to the truck's axle and tyres which could result in truck downtime and repair costs being incurred.”

There are no shortages of pot hole repair kits available. Scott advises anyone with a yard area that has suffered damage to get the repair done before their truck fleet is damaged or - worse - a worker is involved in an accident.