Safety

Forklift Safety Precautions

1. Always wear your seatbelt.



2. Read and follow the operators manual and warnings carefully.



3. Maintain the forklift in good condition and never exceed the lift’s weight limit.



4. Ensure all passengers wear safety harnesses.



5. Never operate the forklift if you’re feeling fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.



6. Do not use your phone, play music or distract yourself in any way while operating a forklift.



7. Always check your brakes, lift arms, and mirrors before starting the forklift.



8. Never drive a forklift onto ramps, inclines or inclines without ramps.



9. Check the area for pedestrians or other moving vehicles and watch out for low hanging obstacles such as lights and doorways.



10. Sound the horn to alert workers of your presence before moving in their direction.



11. Always lower the lift before shifting gears and shut off the forklift when done.



12. Never stand or ride on the forks, lift arms or carriages

Forklifts are a vital part of most industrial and warehouse operations, but they also pose significant risks for operators, pedestrians and the surrounding area. The best way to protect against these risks is to take forklift safety precautions. Here are some important tips for staying safe when operating a forklift:



1. Inspect and Maintain the Forklift: Regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted on all forklifts. Inspect the forks, hoses, brakes, tires, warning lights and other parts for signs of wear. Proper maintenance will keep the forklift running efficiently and prevent any unexpected issues from occurring.



2. Wear Protective Equipment: Every forklift operator should wear a hard hat, safety glasses and steel-toed boots while operating the vehicle. Non-slip gloves and a face mask should also be worn in dusty environments.



3. Read the Operator Manual: All forklift operators should be familiar with the manual and its safety guidelines. Additionally, employers should provide periodic safety and operational training to employees using the forklift.



4. Load Balance: Always load a forklift evenly, using both forks. Ensure the load is low to the ground and secured properly before driving. Keep in mind the forklift’s capacity rating.



5. Slow and Steady: Don’t make any sudden or jerking motions while driving a forklift. Operators should move slowly and deliberately, avoiding any sharp turns that could destabilize the load or cause it to tip.



6. Clear Paths: Remove any objects from the path that could cause the forklift to veer off course. Look for any obstacles such as shelves, boxes, workers, wires and slippery surfaces.



7. Supervise Pedestrians: Whenever possible, ensure that there are no pedestrians in the path of the forklift. Operators should sound the horn to warn any passersby and be prepared to stop immediately.



Following these safety precautions will help reduce the risk of injury and minimize the likelihood of property damage. Remember, safety should always be a priority when operating any type of material handling equipment.

1. Wear the proper safety gear: Always wear safety goggles and appropriate safety clothing (steel-toe shoes, gloves, and hard hats as required) when operating or working around a forklift.



2. Secure your load: Secure all materials with straps, chains, or other types of material restraints before operating the forklift.



3. Observe load limits: Know and abide by the load capacity limits of the forklift and the attachments.



4. Follow traffic laws: Respect all local, state, and federal traffic laws while driving a forklift, including signaling, avoiding distractions, and traveling at a safe speed.



5. Make sure forklifts are in good condition: Make sure all forklifts are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent breakdowns or accidents.



6. Don’t rush: Take your time when operating the forklift and make sure all parts of the vehicle are fully lowered before driving.



7. Pay attention to surroundings: Watch out for obstacles, people, and other vehicles in the workplace, and never drive too fast or close to them.



8. Train your operators: Train your operators in all aspects of forklift safety and make sure they are familiar with the features and limitations of the vehicles they will be using.



9. Mark loading areas: Mark designated loading and unloading areas to ensure the safety of all employees and forklifts in the area.



10. Refrain from alcohol and drugs: Consumption of alcohol and/or drugs can significantly increase the risk of accidents and must be avoided.