Forklift Safety Tips

Forklifts are a common and highly-versatile machine found in factories, warehouses, foundries and many other industrial locations. They can lift, push, pull and stack objects that are otherwise too heavy to be moved, and they do so with ease and grace in the hands of a skilled operator. Because of the nature of the work they do, forklifts can be prone to fatal accidents if misused or operated in unsafe ways, but a few simple steps to ensure the safety of your forklift will reduce the chances of incidents.

Safety Equipment

• Always operate your forklift while wearing safety goggles, a hard hat and other appropriate protective equipment. Debris can fall from a load or fly through a work space where the forklift operates, posing the threat of head trauma or eye injury. If dangerously loud noises occur in the work space, wear ear protection as well to avoid hearing loss.

Inspect Your Forklift

• Always inspect your forklift before beginning work with it. Test the vehicle's steering and power systems. If you are working on an electric forklift, ensure the battery is sufficiently charged for the workload. Finally, inspect all exposed moving parts and hydraulic systems for signs of wear or damage that can cause a dangerous malfunction.

Be Aware and Alert

• Always be aware of activity in your work space. Watch for coworkers and objects with which you could collide. Never distract yourself or compromise your hearing or vision by listening to music or being distracted by a personal media player. Do not operate your forklift while tired or intoxicated.

Operate Within the Forklift's Limits

• Forklifts are designed in a variety of sizes, to handle different workloads. Never use your forklift to lift cargo higher than the forklift can safely reach, or attempt to move cargo that is heavier than the forklift was designed to move.