Forklifts are an essential part of warehouse, manufacturing, and construction operations. They significantly improve efficiency and reduce manual labor, but they also come with potential risks. According to occupational safety data, forklift-related accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in industrial settings. The good news is that most of these incidents can be prevented through strong safety practices.
Below, we outline the top forklift safety rules every workplace should enforce.
According to stats, 70% of all accidents can be avoided with proper training. This means training is really important. Therefore, employers should allow only those operators who have been trained and licensed in accordance with OSHA standards. It’s also important that you evaluate your operator’s performance and give them safety training from time to time.
When working around forklifts, your operator must have access to appropriate safety gear such as a hard hat, safety shoes, and high visibility jackets. It’s also important to ensure that the workwear must be reasonably fitted as any loose clothing can get caught in the machinery. Also, avoid operating the controls of the forklift when your hands have grease on them, otherwise, it may cause an accident.
Before every use, it’s important that you inspect the forklift thoroughly. It’s best it is checked daily to identify and log any problems or defects. You should never operate the forklift if it requires repair. Some of the recommended checks include:- Brakes- Steering- Mast- Tires- Radiator leaks- Fluid levels
To ensure clear visibility, the load should be short and carried low to the ground. If visibility is restricted, then operate the forklift in reverse, except when moving up ramps. Avoid driving if the weather is bad and it affects your ability to see clearly. Good visibility helps the driver to make better decisions and operate their forklift safely around pedestrians, storage racks, and machinery. Some of the best practices defined by OSHA that you can follow are:
a. Look in the direction you are traveling towards.
b. Use rear-view mirrors to boost visibility or you can also use our Forklift camera system for better visibility and additional safety features.
c. Use headlights if working at night, outdoors, or in areas where additional lighting is needed. Always make eye contact with pedestrians and other workers.
It’s very important to ensure that the load is evenly distributed, therefore do not lift a load with one fork. Use pallets and skids that can withstand the weight of the load. Never use pallets that are damaged, deformed, or decayed for holding any amount of load.
A forklift is not to be driven like regular vehicles, so make sure that you never proceed past the speed limit. Drive slowly around corners to minimize the risk of tipping. If you are making a stop, do it gradually. For more reliability, you can also install a speed limiter on the forklift.
While operating a forklift you must pay attention to the worksite rules and guidelines. Be careful of all the signs placed around the worksite such as clearance heights etc. Don’t operate on bridge plates, unless you know that they can support the weight of the forklift and load.
Forklifts are designed for carrying loads only. Don’t allow other workers to ride along with you unless there’s a second seat attached to the forklift. Also, avoid raising people on forklifts, it’s extremely dangerous and should never be done under any circumstances. Incorrect safety procedures can cost you lives, families, and businesses - so be careful!
Ramps are inclined platforms, unloading on such a platform would throw off the balance of the forklift. So, under no circumstances try unloading on a ramp. The forklift could tip over and crush goods or a co-worker, it could go and hit a pedestrian. You never know what serious injury it might end up causing.
Forklifts are indispensable tools in industrial operations, but without strict adherence to safety rules, they can quickly turn from assets into hazards. By ensuring operators are trained, equipment is inspected, and clear safety protocols are followed, businesses can create a safer and more productive work environment.
At SharpEagle, we specialize in forklift safety solutions that help organizations minimize risks and prevent accidents. From forklift camera systems to blind-spot monitoring and safety lights, our innovative solutions give operators greater visibility and control—making workplaces safer and more efficient.
Investing in forklift safety today means safeguarding your people, equipment, and business tomorrow.
