Safety

Forklift Safety Precautions

1. Make sure that you receive the proper forklift safety training and instruction.



2. Never drive the forklift too fast.



3. Never lift or transport more weight than the forklift’s rated capacity.



4. Do not operate the forklift if you feel tired, distracted, or if you have taken any drugs or alcohol.



5. Do not drive on wet or slippery surfaces.



6. Do not operate the forklift if any of the gauges or controls are not functioning properly.



7. Make sure you wear safety glasses, hardhats, and other safety gear while operating the forklift.



8. Always maintain a three-point contact while entering or exiting the forklift.



9. Use your mirrors to make sure that you know the area you’re entering and to ensure that pedestrians are safe.



10. Turn off the forklift whenever it’s not in use and do not allow unauthorised personnel to operate it.

1. Wear Proper Attire: Before operating a forklift, ensure you are wearing the appropriate clothing, including non-slip work shoes and other protective equipment as required.



2. Check the Lift and Fuel: Make sure you perform a quick safety check of the lift and its fuel levels before using it. This will ensure it’s in good condition and you’re not wasting time on unnecessary repairs or trips.



3. Maintain Loads: Pay attention to the center of gravity of your loads and be aware of what is at the edge of the forks, to prevent it from slipping off during transport.



4. Slow Down and Look Out: Always be on the lookout for pedestrians and be aware of your speed as you move through the workplace. Reduce speed when making turns or going around tight corners.



5. Pay Attention to Direction: Forklifts can be reversed, but not every surface can handle their weight, so watch out for bumps and hills, as they may cause tipping or sliding.



6. Watch Out for People and Obstacles: Watch out for other workers, fixed obstacles and sudden movements. Never go in the direction of a person who is not looking at the lift.



7. Learn from Others: If you’re a beginner forklift operator, take a course or ask for guidance from experienced coworkers. It’s always safer to get help than to try to learn on your own.

Forklifts are invaluable pieces of machinery in a warehouse environment and many workplace environments. As powerful as these machines are, they must be used correctly and with utmost safety precautions to ensure safe and efficient operation.



1. Know the Load Capacity. Each type of forklift has its own load capacity rating and it’s essential that operators know what the maximum capacity is for their forklift. Loads must be evenly balanced on the forks and should never exceed the maximum capacity rating of the forklift.



2. Read and Follow Instructions. All forklifts should come with instruction manuals, so operators should make sure they thoroughly read the instructions to understand how to properly operate the forklift. Operators should never attempt to operate a forklift if they are unsure of how it works.



3. Wear Proper Protective Gear. Proper safety gear such as helmets, gloves, and steel-toe shoes must be worn at all times when operating a forklift.



4. Maintain and Inspect Forklifts Regularly. Forklifts should be inspected on a regular basis and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The operator should ensure that the forks, brakes, lights, tires, hydraulics, and battery are all in working order.



5. Maintain an Appropriate Speed. Forklifts should be operated at a slow speed, particularly when carrying heavy loads. Sharp turns should also be avoided at all times.



6. Operate Carefully on Uneven Ground. Forklifts must always be operated carefully on uneven surfaces to avoid the possibility of overturning the vehicle. The driver should lower the forks to the ground before navigating across an uneven surface and the load should be evenly balanced on the forks at all times.



7. Keep People Clear. Operators should always ensure that the area around the forklift is clear before operation to avoid any collisions with people or obstacles.