Manual material handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in warehouses, industrial settings, and mine sites. In fact, the latest data from Safe Work Australia reveals that strains, sprains, and back injuries account for nearly 40% of all serious workplace injuries. These injuries can lead to costly downtime, lost productivity, and increased workers’ compensation claims, creating significant financial and operational challenges for businesses.
One of the most common culprits? Manual pallet jacks. While these tools are a staple in many workplaces, they require significant physical effort to maneuver, increasing the risk of strain and impact injuries.
Luckily, there's an easy and cost-effective solution that comes from simply adding power. Electric pallet jacks offer a safer, more ergonomic alternative, reducing the risk of common workplace injuries while boosting productivity and operational efficiency.
The team at Backsafe Australia understands the importance of workplace safety and efficiency better than anyone. We offer thousands of manual handling products sourced from the world’s leading manufacturers, including ergonomic, mine-spec electric pallet jacks specifically designed for harsh environments.
In this article, we’ll explore five common workplace injuries that can be significantly reduced or eliminated by switching to electric pallet jacks and explain why they make sense for modern workplaces.
1. Back Strains and Sprains
Back injuries are some of the most common workplace incidents, often caused by manual lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy loads. The significant force required to move traditional manual pallet jacks, especially when dealing with fully loaded pallets, repeatedly strains the lower back. This can lead to muscle tears, herniated discs, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
Electric pallet jacks significantly reduce the physical effort required to lift and move heavy loads. Designed with ergonomic handles and powered lifting functions, they allow operators to move materials with minimal physical strain. By reducing the amount of force required to start, stop, and maneuver, these electric models help prevent back strains and sprains, making them a smarter, safer option.
2. Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are another common hazard in material handling environments. These injuries often occur when heavy loads fall off unstable manual pallet jacks or when workers accidentally roll over their feet while maneuvering a loaded jack. Manual models also struggle with tight corners and crowded workspaces, increasing the risk of crushing injuries to the lower limbs.
Electric pallet jacks offer the perfect solution by providing better load stability, smoother control, and advanced safety features like automatic braking and anti-slip wheels. These features reduce the likelihood of tipping, slipping, or accidental impact, making the work environment significantly safer for both operators and nearby colleagues.
3. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a significant concern in environments where workers frequently push, pull, and bend while moving loads. These repeated motions can lead to inflammation, muscle strain, and nerve damage, resulting in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
Electric pallet jacks minimise these risks by reducing the repetitive physical effort required to move heavy loads. With powered controls and ergonomic design, these jacks help reduce the strain on the wrists, shoulders, and lower back, promoting better long-term health for operators.
4. Collision and Crush Injuries
Operating manual pallet jacks in tight spaces or high-traffic areas can be challenging, increasing the risk of collisions and crush injuries. Without precision controls, manual jacks can be harder to navigate, making it difficult to avoid accidents in busy warehouse environments.
Electric models, on the other hand, come equipped with safety features like emergency stop buttons, speed control, and compact turning radii, providing operators with more precise control. These features reduce the risk of accidental collisions, helping to protect both personnel and equipment.
5. Fatigue-Related Accidents
Fatigue is a significant factor in workplace accidents, particularly in physically demanding roles like material handling. Exhausted workers are more likely to make mistakes, overlook safety protocols, or mishandle heavy loads, leading to accidents and injuries.
Electric pallet jacks reduce operator fatigue by minimising the physical effort required to move and lift loads. This not only helps prevent injuries but also keeps workers sharper and more productive over longer shifts, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.
Why Electric Pallet Jacks Make Sense for Modern Workplaces
Beyond the clear safety benefits, electric pallet jacks offer a range of operational advantages. They reduce the physical strain on workers, increase productivity, and help businesses avoid costly downtime from workplace injuries.
Backsafe Australia is a leader in material handling equipment, boasting thousands of manual handling products sourced from the world’s leading manufacturers. We've got your material handling needs covered with a range of innovative, ergonomically designed electric jacks and electric pallet trucks that can help you easily move equipment safely and efficiently.
Why choose Backsafe Australia for your electric powered pallet jacks?
✔ CUSTOM SOLUTIONS – Every business is different. We focus on offering custom solutions that streamline operational processes, improve safety, and deliver cost-effective results.
✔ 12 Month Warranty – Receive a 12-month warranty on any pallet jacks, trucks, or movers you purchase.
✔ INDUSTRY-BEST QUALITY – With over 20 years of experience, we provide outstanding products and services to businesses across Australia.
The Perfect Powered Pallet Jacks for Tough Environments
Backsafe Australia offers an extensive range of high-quality electric pallet jacks, pallet trucks, and movers specifically designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
These robust yet agile solutions are perfect for moving pallets in workshops, factories, and warehouses without the need for a forklift, making material handling safer and more efficient.
Compact Electric Pallet Jack 1.5T II
This is the perfect model if you're looking to upgrade your manual pallet jack to a fully electric model, reducing operator strain and improving productivity.
The simplified yet innovative design and advanced features provide everything you need and nothing you don't; easy operation, robust construction, powerful performance. The 1.5T full electric model is an excellent investment for all workplaces, increasing efficiency and productivity with minimal user effort.
Features:
- Ergonomically designed handle with emergency stop button and dual paddle controls
- Compact design with storage pockets on both sides of the body frame
- Drive wheel cover for operator safety
- Long-life built-in lithium-ion batteries with charging cable
- Drive time up to 3.5hrs - perfect for long distances
- Prevent costly accidents from manually lifting, lowering and carrying
- Good for the environment with no nasty fuel emissions
- Quieter than combustion-powered forklifts
- Affordable price and excellent investment
Compact Electric Straddle Stacker
When a forklift won’t do, do it with the Compact Electric Straddle Stacker. Safe and easy to use, these types of electric pallet stackers provide excellent visibility, reducing the risk of accidents and manual handling injuries.
Features:
- Durable. Low-noise, hydraulic system with high-quality cylinder.
- Practical. Side-positioned controls for excellent visibility.
- Ergonomic. Comfortable handle with dual-paddle controls.
- Stable. Adjustable fork width and stabilising feet.
- Low-hassle. Maintenance-free gel battery with built-in charger.
- Safe. Anti-roll braking device and emergency stop button.
- Manoeuvrable. Crawl speed mode allows safe manoeuvring.
- Quieter. Electric build means it’s quieter than combustion-powered forklifts.
Electric High Lift Pallet Jack
The ideal solution for businesses looking to improve workplace safety and efficiency. With ergonomic design, precision lifting, and robust build quality, it significantly reduces manual handling strain, making it perfect for warehouses, workshops, and industrial environments.
Features:
- Load capacity up to 1 tonne
- Lift heights from 85mm up to 800mm
- Effective and versatile tool for moving heavy pallets
- Extra-long front legs increase stability when lifting unevenly loaded pallets
- Rear stabilising bars prevent the unit from moving when the forks are raised
- Easy placement of loads to correct ergonomic work height
- Battery electric operation for effortless positioning of loads (66Ah/12V battery)
Find the Right Materials Handling Product for Your Workspace
Do you need a bit of extra help selecting the perfect pallet jack for your workplace?
Request a callback and one of our materials handling experts will reach out to learn more about your specific needs.