Top 10 Forklift Safety Rules Every Operator Should Know

When you are using heavy machinery in the workplace, safety is always one of the biggest concerns that needs to be addressed. Forklift safety is a hot topic, especially because these powerful machines cause thousands of injuries each year throughout the United States. In serious accidents, a forklift accident can even result in fatalities.

The good news is that most of these accidents and injuries are completely preventable if you are using reliable equipment and your operators are well-trained on the best practices. Forklift operator safety makes a big difference in reducing the risk of accidents and complications, helping to protect your people and operations.

Not only does safety matter for your crew members, but these safety practices are also important for protecting coworkers, pedestrians, and property. So, make sure to have strict forklift safety rules that are followed by everyone involved, helping to reduce downtime and schedule disruptions, while also avoiding injuries and legal risks. In this article, we are sharing 10 forklift safety rules that should be followed by every team – make sure to include these 10 things in your forklift safety training requirements:

Rule 1: Meet All Training and Certification Requirements

You don’t want untrained and uncertified team members showing up on the job. OSHA forklift regulations require that only trained and certified operators use the equipment. Not only do crew members need classroom instruction, but training should also include hands-on evaluations as well. Each person needs to renew their certifications every 3 years. Or, if an incident happens, then they need to go through the forklift safety training again.

Rule 2: Follow a Daily Forklift Inspection Checklist Before Use

Before starting on the tasks for the day, the forklift should always be checked thoroughly. This inspection should include everything that can impact safety and function, including brakes, steering, lights, tires, forks, hydraulics, and fluid levels. Pay attention and report it immediately if you notice any cracks, leaks, or mechanical issues. If the equipment is failing inspection, then it should be parked until maintenance and repairs can be completed.

Rule 3: Always Wear Your Seat Belt

It might seem like a small and simple thing, but operators should be using seatbelts at all times when the forklift is being used. In fact, buckling the seatbelt should be included in your forklift operator safety manual. If the equipment accidentally tips over, then the seatbelt is a critical factor that will reduce the risk of injury, and the operator is more likely to survive the accident.

Rule 4: Maintain Visibility at All Times

Forklift training requirements should include visibility, ensuring that operators are looking in the direction they are driving – especially if the forklift is in reverse. If the load is blocking the view, then spotters should be used to give the operator verbal cues. Also, make sure that all mirrors and windshields are clean.

Rule 5: Follow the Forklift’s Load Capacity Limits

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications as well as OSHA forklift regulations when it comes to load capacity limits. Always check the load chart and ensure that the load is less than the rated lifting capacity for the type of equipment that you are using. Additionally, be strategic with how the load is centered on the forklift and secure everything to avoid problems with shifting loads. One of the most important forklift stability principles to remember is that the weight should be distributed properly.

Rule 6: Obey Forklift Speed Limits and Avoid Sudden Moves

Fast driving and sudden turning increase the risk of forklift accidents. Not only do speeds need to stay low in regular use, but drivers need to use even more caution when moving around corners or through tight spaces. Avoid quick turns, fast stops, and sharp maneuvers that could cause the forklift to tip over. The speed should always be adjusted based on the traffic (vehicles and people) in the area and the floor conditions.

Rule 7: Prioritize Forklift Pedestrian Safety at All Times

When there are people walking around in the area, then extra caution needs to be used to avoid pedestrian accidents. For example, one forklift safety practice is to use the horn when moving through intersections or blind spots. If there are pedestrians, make sure to have eye contact with the people before proceeding.

Rule 8: Avoid Hazards, Slopes, and Unstable Surfaces

Certain working conditions can impact forklift safety. Avoid wet, icy, and uneven terrain whenever possible. If you need to use the forklift on an incline, then drive slowly and make sure that the load is positioned uphill. Always use extra caution around ramps, edges, and loading docks.

Rule 9: Park the Forklift Safely When Not in Use

Follow OSHA forklift regulations for how the equipment is used, as well as best practices for parking and stowing the equipment. The forks should be lowered to the floor. Then turn off the engine and set the parking brake. Make sure that the forklift is always parked in designated areas.

Rule 10: Never Use the Forklift to Carry Passengers

Only one person (the operator) should be on the forklift at any given time. Forklifts should never be used to transport other people from one location to another. If there are extra riders, then the risk of accident could go up because the shift in the load or the way the operator’s view is blocked. Carrying other passengers could pose a legal risk, especially because this activity is against OSHA forklift regulations.

FAQs

What are the most important forklift safety rules?

Rules that should be followed by all operators include completing necessary training, performing daily equipment inspections, always wearing seat belts, and only operating the equipment at safe speeds.

Is forklift certification mandatory for operators?

Yes, OSHA forklift regulations require that all operators have completed training and earned certification.

Forklift Safety Matters, and ACE Equipment is Here to Help

If you are looking for ways to improve forklift operator safety, then reach out to our team at ACE Equipment. We are here to offer quality equipment and ongoing maintenance/services to reduce the risk of forklift injuries. For more information, contact us today.