Forklift Safety for Managers

Forklifts, or powered industrial trucks, lift and move heavy loads of materials or merchandise. The long "forks" give these work vehicles their common name. Managers of construction jobs and of general industry work that uses forklifts are responsible for safety issues.

OSHA Regulation

• The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has set regulations for the use of powered industrial trucks. It also stipulates the mandatory training requirements for workers and managers. The Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910, addresses the areas of forklift safety.

Manager, Supervisor Training

• In areas where forklifts are used, managers and supervisors must know how to operate forklifts. In addition, managers and others in charge must receive the proper OSHA training. OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses for construction, and for general industry, address equipment and issues that are common to particular jobs. Forklift safety must be taught in the OSHA courses if the trainee will manage or work around these trucks. The manager is responsible for knowing that each operator is trained in the operation and safety of forklifts.

Worker Training

• The OSHA forklift safety standard requires that operators be trained in the safe operation of a forklift. Workers must also be licensed before operating a forklift. Any employee who works in the areas where a forklift will work or pass through must also receive the OSHA training. Proper load limits and lifting will help prevent workers from being crushed under a load or injured if a forklift tips over. Safety belts and roll-bars will also help keep operators safe.

  Maintenance workers and machine operators should learn safety measures to prevent the pinching, pinning, crushing and impaling hazards of these trucks. Those working in an area where forklifts must move need to watch and listen for the trucks to avoid being pinned, crushed or impaled.

Inspections and Maintenance

• OSHA requires that forklifts be inspected before being placed into service. They should not be used if any condition affects the safety of the forklift truck. Operators and managers should make daily or before-shift inspections. Maintenance staff should also conduct regular inspections. Defects must be reported to company or on-site management and repaired before the forklift is put back into use. Regular maintenance of forklifts and all parts and attachments must be performed according to the equipment manual and the company's policies.

Other Federal Agencies

• Other federal agencies have regulations pertaining to forklift trucks. Agencies with rules that may affect the operation of these industrial powered trucks include the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Labor. Regulations could dictate where the trucks can operate, proper licensing of driver and truck, ages of drivers or operators, and the materials carried by the forklift.