Safety Tips for Forklift Drivers

Forklifts, also called powered industrial trucks, help us perform essential tasks at the job site, but they are also quite dangerous. Driving a forklift is a serious responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Forklift drivers at must be properly trained and follow all safety procedures and precautions.

Maintenance

• Each day, check that the truck is ready for the day’s work and perform any necessary maintenance before operating.
• Report any malfunction 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.
• Be aware of ground conditions and take the smoothest possible path.
• Never try to turn on an incline.
• Cross tracks diagonally and slow down for uneven surfaces.
• Keeps legs, arms, feet, hands and head inside the truck.
• Be aware of others around the job site, in case they do not see you.
• 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.

In order to ensure your safety and the safety of others, it is important that all forklift drivers operate their machinery responsibly. For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.

Provided by Kingsgate Insurance

This content is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2010, 2014-2015, 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.