13 Simple Tips for Safe Forklift Operation

For employees throughout the material handling industry, safety is paramount. Working with and around heavy machinery on the job, employees in the industry are face-to-face with potential hazards on a daily basis. In order to keep employees safe, and ultimately, keep material moving, it’s critical that forklift operators comply with safety procedures.

How Operator Training Benefits You?

● Reduce Equipment Downtime

● Improve Driver Efficiency

● Improve Your Company’s Bottom Line

● Limit Lost Time Injuries

● Minimize Product Damage

● Reduce Accidents

Below are some simple tips to follow to ensure the safe operation of forklifts. Although these tips are simple and quite basic they are a good starting point to support workplace health and safety guidelines.

● Operators Must Be Qualified – Make sure to get certified before operating equipment.

● Examine Equipment Before Use – Get to know your equipment, parts, use and do a routine check before starting the engine.

● Consider the Surrounding Environment – Always pay attention to your surroundings; follow the rules and guidelines of the site.

● Operate at A Safe Speed – Always follow the equipment speed limit and take turns slowly.

● Avoid Hazards – Keep out of areas with bumps, uneven surfaces, and loose objects on the ground.

● Ensure your Load is Stable and Secure – Before moving to point A-to-B check your load if it’s stable and secure, and make sure that they are stocked properly and not overloaded.

● Keep Clear of the Mast – Make sure to warn people to not stand or walk under the load or forklift machinery.

● Fueling the Equipment – Make sure you are at the designated and a place that is well-ventilated, and turn off forklift when fueling.

● End of the Day Shift – Park the equipment in the designated with fully lowered forks and apply park brake and turn equipment off.

● Wear Appropriate Clothing – Wear appropriate safety workwear provided by your company.

● Starting up the forklift – Before starting the forklift it’s important to ensure all the equipment’s controls are in reach and the seat position and mirrors are adjusted to the operator’s needs. The operator should not start the forklift until they are correctly seated with their safety belt fastened and all parts of their body are safely inside the confines of the operator’s cabin or the forklift.

● Make sure you have clear visibility – Operate the forklift in reverse when it improves visibility; except when moving up ramps. If visibility is poor do not continue driving; in some circumstances, you may need a lookout helper to assist you.

● Forklifts are for Carrying Loads only – Operators must not let others ride on the equipment unless another seat is fitted safely to the forklift for a second person. If a person has to be lifted, use only a securely attached work platform and cage and follow the appropriate operating instructions.

By following the proper forklift safety procedures while behind the wheel, operators can protect themselves and coworkers, prevent time-loss accidents, and keep business moving forward.

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