Heavy Equipment is a Tempting Target for Theives

March 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

HEAVY EQUIPMENT IS A TEMPTING TARGET FOR THIEVES

The Facts:

Heavy equipment theft is a growing problem throughout North America. As with vehicle theft, organized crime rings are the primary driving force behind heavy equipment theft. In many instances, these sophisticated criminals have equipment shopping lists. They know the types of equipment they want and where to find it, and frequently target construction sites rather than secured dealer lots.

Many of these organized criminal rings send stolen construction equipment to other countries. Stolen equipment is often transported to the nearest port or across the border prior to its being reported as stolen.

To help combat this problem, equipment manufacturers adopted a standard worldwide 17-digit product identification number (PIN) system beginning with their year 2000 models. With this format, international law enforcement computer systems can better check, verify, and track equipment reported stolen.

Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Render equipment immobile or difficult to move after hours or on weekends by:
    • not leaving equipment, such as backhoes, on trailers when unattended;
    • clustering equipment in a “wagon circle” with more easily transported equipment, such as compressors, in the middle, surrounded by larger pieces of equipment.
  • Maintain a log listing all equipment serial or product identification numbers in a central location. If possible, include photos and other identifying information.
  • Use hydro locks to fix articulated equipment in a curved position, preventing them from traveling in a straight line.
  • Use sleeve locks to fix backhoe pads in an extended position, keeping wheels off the ground.
  • Install a system that disables the equipment’s electrical or ignition system if universal keys are used.
  • Install a tracking transmitter system in each unit designed for construction and heavy-duty equipment.

If you suspect insurance fraud or theft, speak up!  Call the National Insurance Crime Bureau
toll-free hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422.  Your call is free.  Your call can be anonymous.  You could be eligible for a reward.

Reprinted with permission from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Filed under MH JCB, Safety Tagged with , , ,

Get Certified | Benefits of Having a Forklift License

January 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

If you want to become a forklift operator the first thing you need to do is get certified.  First and foremost it’s a matter of safety – not only for you but for those working around you as well.  If that wasn’t reason enough, certified forklift drivers save money. While safety is the top priority for company’s money is a very close second.  Every year millions of dollars are lost due to forklift accidents that could have been prevented with proper training.

Benefits of having a forklift license include:

  • Job placement opportunities
  • Proven competency of forklift operation
  • Reduced risk of workplace accidents
  • Improved forklift efficiency and reduced operating costs
  • Improved productivity and increase profits for the business

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require all forklift operators to study forklift safety and operation, both in a class and behind the wheel before they can be licensed.

MH Equipment has been making material handling operations safe for over fifty years with our industry leading forklift operator training and safety courses. Our trainers do an excellent job of keeping participants engaged while teaching useful techniques and stressing the importance of safety.

We offer specialized and comprehensive forklift training classes, materials and programs that meet OSHA requirements.

We also offer training courses for those operating an aerial lift (scissor, boom, self-propelled, articulated boom), skid steer, railcar mover or other heavy equipment at our Midwest locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio ,Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Visit one of our locations or give us a call at 1-888-564-2191 to learn more!


Sources:
http://forkliftcertificationguide.org/
http://ehow.com
http://mhequipment.com

http://osha.gov

 

 

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Preparing Forklift Operations for Ice and Snow

December 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As one of the Midwest’s largest forklift truck suppliers, MH Equipment advises forklift users to get prepared for ice, snow and freezing conditions to ensure that any forklifts critical to a supply chain run smoothly, reliably and safely this winter.

Some useful suggestions:

  • Talk to your supplier as early as possible to ensure that all forklifts are specified correctly, for example with the right forklift tires for outdoor operation.
  • Ensure that the forklifts are serviced regularly otherwise the cold, wet weather could lead to increased component failures and breakdowns. Vital components such as batteries, hydraulics and electrical systems become ever more important and engines need protection from cold weather. MH Equipment, for example, provides oils and lubricants to ensure engines run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Ice or rain may create slippery surfaces, either outdoors or on loading bays, so training drivers to be more cautious with their speed and supervision where necessary helps to reduce a number of safety risks.
  • If a forklift operates in a muddy or dirty environment, it is important to regularly clean the equipment to prevent parts becoming blocked or clogged.
  • Check the condition of the forklift tires to ensure traction and stability in icy, wet conditions. MH Equipment can provide planned site visits to check tread levels and tire condition. Gritting yard areas in the snow and freezing conditions will also help to maintain traction.
  • Ensure forklift drivers are doing their daily checks.
  • As it gets dark early, check there is suitable lighting on the forklifts or in external areas. MH Equipment can fit lights and beacons for your truck quickly and economically.
  • If the forklift doesn’t have a cab for the driver you could consider upgrading the machine. MH Equipment can fit screens, wipers, covers, heaters and even complete cabs depending on your requirement and budget. Additionally workers should be provided with winter clothing such as waterproof jackets, body warmers and gloves.
  • Always ensure that there is a reliable, experienced forklift service provider looking after the fleet, who can respond effectively in case of breakdown. MH Equipment uses state-of-the-art technology to provide customers with an efficient support service 24 hours a day and in any weather conditions. It uses a web-based vehicle tracking system on its vans, which allows a more efficient and speedy service response, allowing dispatchers to assign the nearest engineer according to skills and parts required.
  • Check the security and stock level of the fuel supply in case supply is delayed or restricted due to snow.
  • Check that forklift snow plows, scoops, salt spreaders/sanders and a wide range of other useful attachments are readily available on site. These are available through MH Equipment as well.

To help you be well prepared contact MH Equipment at one of our branch locations near you.

 

Special thanks to Andrew Dawson, National Service Manager from Barloworld Handling for providing the ideas above.

Filed under MH Products/Services, Safe in the Moment, Safety Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,