OSHA Forklift Safety Regulations

Forklifts are industrial trucks that transport and lift heavy materials. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place for preserving the safety of those who operate forklifts. Maintaining control of the vehicle at all times is critical for safety, according to the OSHA.

Before Operation

• Before the forklift is operated it must be thoroughly inspected. Inspection activities, which include visually examining and physically testing the machinery, ensure the vehicle's safety and confirm that it is free from defects or malfunctioning parts. Any vehicle that needs repair must be logged and removed from the service line, according to OSHA.

Forklift Operation

• Forklift operators must take care to maintain control of the vehicle by using effective concentration skills. Reckless operation of a vehicle, such as driving it at high speeds, can cause incidents or injuries in industrial sites.

Horns

• Forklifts are equipped with horns that operators are expected to use for warnings. Forklift operators can honk the horn to let others in the industrial site know they are there and that a path must be cleared for them.

Visibility

• Forklifts have blind spots, so the operator must be aware of limitations of visibility and drive the vehicle cautiously, according to OSHA. He must always look in the direction of travel. If not, the potential for colliding into other equipment or running over workers or pedestrians arises.