Forklift Safety

The OSHA standard for forklifts are covered in General Industry standards 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks. 

Driving a forklift is a serious responsibility. A fully loaded forklift can weigh thousands of pounds more than an automobile. Forklifts are less stable due to the 3-point suspension versus an automobile’s 4-point suspension. Steering requires greater judgment and operating skills; the back wheels do the turning as opposed to an automobile’s front wheels. 

Some of the ways workers are injured by forklifts are often the result of one the following:

• • Someone being struck by the forklift
  • Material falling on bystanders
  • Forklifts being driven off loading docks
  • The operator being injured while mounting equipment
  • The forklift tipping over when the load capacity is exceeded

There are 4 types of forklifts: gas, diesel, liquid petroleum and electric. These 4 types are broken down even more into 11 different designations. It is important to know the type of designation you are working with. 

Forklift operators, and those working around forklifts, should always:

• Be trained and authorized before operating a forklift
• Know all safety devices and functions
• Mount and dismount correctly
• Perform pre-operational inspection
• Never operate a forklift in need of repair
• Never operate a forklift for any purpose other than what it was designed for
• Keep hands and steering free of slippery material
• Operate the forklift only from the operator’s position
• Always travel at safe speeds
• Never allow any other person to ride on the forks or anywhere else (A safety platform is the only exception because it is designed for a passenger.)

Before operating a forklift, a pre-job inspection should be performed by a trained and authorized employee. If repairs are needed, the forklift should be tagged “out of service” until repairs are completed.  

The inspection process should include the following procedures:

1. The inspection will be completed daily prior to its use, by the first person to operate the forklift.
2. The inspection tag will be fully completed and signed by the person conducting the inspection.
3. Any deficiencies will be noted on the inspection tag, the Shop Foreman will be informed of all deficiencies and the forklift will be tagged “Out of  Service” until corrections have been made.
4. After being tagged “Out of Service” a work order form will be filled out listing all deficiencies.
5. Once repairs are completed the forklift will be given a performance test to ensure the equipment is safe to operate.
6. The work order will then be signed by the person completing the repairs, and it will be maintained on file by the Shop Foreman for the life of the equipment.

As long as everything checks out on the inspection, then the forklift is ready for action.

Picking up loads

When picking up loads with a forklift:

• Never exceed the rated capacity of your unit
• Forks must be spaced properly
• Be sure the load is stacked properly and is balanced
• Secure the load to the pallet
• Drive into the load as far as possible
• Tilt the load back slightly & then lift it
• Watch for overhead objects or side objects
• Lower load 4 to 6 inches above ground level for travelling

Traveling with the forklift

Some key points below when traveling with the forklift

• All traffic regulations must be observed
• Three truck lengths away from truck ahead
• Stunt driving, racing, horseplay should never be permitted                 
• Drive slowly when floors are wet
• Never run over loose objects on the roadway
• Only loads within rated capacity should be moved
• Speed should be reduced to a safe level while negotiating turns
• Only stable or safely arranged loads should be handled
• Defects should be immediately reported and corrected
• Cross railroad tracks diagonally
• Turning too fast can cause a load to shift or fall
• Starts and stops should be gradual
• Never let anyone ride on your forklift
• Be aware of slippery surfaces, bumps, or holes
• Practice safe following distances (at least 3 vehicle lengths)
• Keep limbs inside compartments always
• Seat belts must be worn at times while in operation

Forklift Training

Only trained and authorized operators should be permitted to operate forklifts. Employers should ensure training has been provided to include formal instruction (classroom), practical training (hands on) and evaluation.

Employers should also ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a the forklift safely, as demonstrated by successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in the OSHA standard. Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), make sure each operator has successfully completed the required training. Training and evaluation should be conducted by a person with the knowledge, training, and experience to instruct powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence. Refresher training should be provided annually. An evaluation of the operator’s performance needs to be conducted:

• After initial training
• After refresher training
• At least once every three (3) years

These are some key points to consider when operating forklifts. For a full comprehensive safety training on forklift safety, check out our DIY in-house training kit or our online training options. If you have any questions about forklift safety or anything safety related, feel free to give us a call. We are happy to help! 

Give us a call at 866-627-3850 or email us at sales@jjsafetyllc.com to learn more.