

Here are some key points.
- Only operate a forklift if you have been trained and authorized.
- Never allow passengers on a forklift.
- Keep your arms, hands and legs inside the forklift.
- Inspect the forklift daily.
Forklifts can be dangerous
- Forklifts are designed to make your job easier.
- But more than 2,000 serious injuries occur each year due to improper forklift operation.
- Most of these accidents happen when a forklift driver hits another person.
- Other accidents occur when forklifts tip over,
fall off a loading dock, or drop a load.
Reminder: Operating a forklift is not the same as driving your personal car or truck.

Know how a forklift operates and how to safely load and unload. Most of these accidents happen when a forklift driver hits another person.

Never allow riders on a forklift.

Drive defensively. Be on the alert for low overhead clearances, slippery pavement, or other situations that could result in an accident.
How to prevent forklift accidents
- Here are some basic safety rules to help you:
- Never operate a forklift unless you have been authorized and trained.
- Know how a forklift operates and how to safely load and unload.
- Never allow riders on a forklift.
- Don’t tamper with forklift safety equipment.
- Don’t engage in horseplay around a forklift.
- Don’t smoke near a forklift that is being refueled.
- Don’t touch or tamper with a forklift while it’s charging.
- Always lower the forks to ground level when the forklift is not in operation.
- Be alert when operating or working around a forklift. Failure to do so could quickly result in an accident.
- Immediately report any accidents or near accidents to your supervisor.
Some safe forklift driving rules
- Drive defensively. Be on the alert for low overhead clearances, slippery pavement, or other situations that could result in an accident.
- Always keep a clear view of your path of travel.
- Use your seat belt.
- Wear personal protective equipment when required, including head, eye, hand, foot and respiratory protection.
- Keep your arms, hands and legs inside the forklift.
- Keep the forks slightly tilted back when transporting a load.
- Always give pedestrians the right of way.
- Slow down, stop and sound your horn at intersections and blind spots.
- Look behind you before you back up. Then sound the horn and drive slowly.
- Always obey speed limits and avoid sudden stops.
Safely handling a load
- Never place anyone between your load and an immovable object.
- Be sure you always know the position of the forks.
- Stop, then check for possible obstructions before raising or lowering a load.
- When loading a trailer, be sure the trailer wheels are chocked before driving off and on the trailer.
- If the load blocks your vision, transport the load in reverse.
- Don’t use the forks to push a load.
Inspect the forklift daily
- Look for broken or damaged parts.
- Test the horn, brakes and steering.
- Be sure the forks are in place and properly secured.
- Check for water, oil or fuel leaks.
- Don’t operate the forklift if you spot any problems or if it has been taken out of service for repairs. Report them to your supervisor.
- Check the manufacturer’s manual for other instructions.
Forklift Safety Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Keep your arms, hands and legs inside the forklift.
- Stop and sound your horn at intersections.
- Drive defensively when operating a forklift.
- Operate a forklift unless you have been authorized and trained.
- Allow riders on a forklift.
- Operate a forklift if it is not in good condition.