Forklifts, also called powered industrial trucks, help us perform essential tasks in our warehouse, but they are also quite dangerous. Driving a forklift is a serious responsibility and should not be taken lightly. That’s why forklift drivers must be properly trained and follow all safety procedures and precautions. Keep reading for an outline of forklift safety tips.
Maintenance
- Check that the truck is ready to operate and perform any necessary maintenance on a daily basis.
- Report any malfunctions or poor performance to your supervisor immediately.
Loading
- Use reverse when going down inclines and go forward up inclines.
- Do not travel with the load elevated, and keep the load stable and as close to the floor as possible.
- Avoid raising or lowering a load while the truck is moving.
- Always keep the load tilted back towards the carriage while raising and lowering.
- Make sure the load is balanced and is within the capacity of the truck.
- Never use the forks as a personnel elevator unless properly equipped.
Driving
- Always make sure your driving path is clear.
- Slow down for corners, blind spots and doorways.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and watch for the unexpected.
- Use the horn when approaching pedestrian walkways or around corners.
- Never try to turn on an incline.
- Cross tracks diagonally and slow down for uneven floors and surfaces.
- Keeps legs, arms, feet, hands and head inside the truck.
- Stay on the lookout for co-workers and customers – they may not always notice you or realize the safety hazard.
- Always give those on foot the right of way.
- Stay out from under forks and loads.
- Never show off or use the machine for anything other than your specified job tasks.
- Never give anyone a ride or allow anyone who is untrained to operate the forklift.
For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.
This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2010, 2014-2015, 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
