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23 forklift safety tips

  • COMPLETE TRAINING & WEAR SAFETY CLOTHING.
    Only trained and certified operators may use lift trucks. Wear designated work clothes and protective devices.
  • COMPLETE PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION.
    Inspect the lift truck before starting work, and inform the supervisor immediately if there are problems.
  • WEAR THE SEAT BELT.
    Fasten your seat belt before operating the lift truck.
  • TAKE NO RIDERS.
    A lift truck is built for only one person, positioned in the designated area.
  • WATCH YOUR SPEED.
    Always operate the lift truck at a speed that is appropriate for the environment. Observe the worksite rules for safe operation.
  • USE SUITABLE PALLETS.
    Use pallets and skids that can withstand the load weight. Don’t use damaged, deformed or decayed pallets and skids
  • AVOID HAZARDS.
    Don’t drive over objects (e.g., scattered pieces of wood), as this could cause load shift or loss of control.
  • ENSURE STABLE LOADS.
    Safely and properly stack the load on the pallets and skids. Use prevention measures such as ropes or binders, if needed.
  • KEEP CLEAR OF THE MAST.
    Don’t place hands or feet on or near the mast or chains, as injury may occur.
  • KNOW LOAD WEIGHTS.
    Don’t operate with a load that exceeds the lifting capacity.
  • KEEP FORKS LOW.
    Don’t travel with the forks higher than a foot from the floor. Never travel or turn with the forks in an elevated position or tilted forward.
  • PAY ATTENTION TO SPECIAL LOADS.
    Take extra care when carrying a long or wide load. Make sure load is balanced; turn and work slowly to prevent load shift.
  • USE A HELPER IN NARROW SPACES.
    Predetermine signals with a helper. The operator must keep the helper in sight and follow all signals.
  • GET A CLEAR VIEW.
    If visibility is obstructed, always stop, sound horn and look left and right before proceeding. A lookout helper may be needed.
  • BACK UP WITH CARE.
    Drive carefully when backing up, always looking in the direction of travel.
  • DON’T USE FORK TIPS.
    Fork tips should never be used as a lever to raise a heavy load. Don’t push a load with the top of forks, and don’t use the tilt cylinder to pull a load.
  • STAY IN DESIGNATED AREAS.
    Don’t operate a lift truck in an aisle or a walkway designated for pedestrians only.
  • STOP TO SPEAK.
    Obey the “two-foot rule” when stopping to speak with a pedestrian, maintaining two feet (or outstretched arm’s length) between the lift truck and the pedestrian.
  • MAKE SLOW TURNS.
    Travel slowly when turning. Even at slow speeds, a sharp turn could cause a lift truck to tip over.
  • WATCH YOUR HEIGHT.
    Ensure the clearance height is sufficient when entering or exiting buildings.
  • MAKE EYE CONTACT.
    Be sure to make eye contact with any pedestrian who must walk past, in front of or behind the lift truck being operated.
  • USE HAND SIGNALS.
    Use “STOP” and “GO AHEAD” hand signals to communicate with pedestrians. Stop at all intersections where a pedestrian is present, and wait for a wave before proceeding.
  • MAINTAIN BRAKE CONTACT.
    Maintain contact with the lift truck’s brake pedal when approaching a pedestrian, intersection or blind corner.