Top Ten Forklift Safety Training Tips & Rules for People with a Forklift License
Having a forklift license comes with responsibility including forklift safety and forklift maintenance all obtainable through forklift safety training …
When you have a culture of safety surrounding forklifts and other material handling equipment then the whole company benefits from reductions in worker compensation costs, damaged products and damaged equipment through to improved productivity, on-time delivery and customer service. As a holder of a forklift license it is your responsibility to follow all safety rules and regulations.
Here we list 10 top forklift safety tips for ensuring a safer working environment leading to an increase in company profits and customer satisfaction;
- Seatbelt- Wear your seat-belt on all sit-down forklifts at all times and check that the warning lights and backup alarm work before operating the machine if applicable.
- Watch where you place your hands and feet. Be aware of and stay clear of pinch points such as the wheels and lift gears.
- Always look out for others when moving and operating your forklift, watch out for pedestrians, blind intersections and drive slowly. Use your horn when backing up, at intersections, when going through doors and anywhere you have limited or blocked vision.
- Always perform a pre and post inspection of your forklift. Check for leaking fluids when you get on and off a forklift to prevent a slip and fall.
- Do not raise or lower your forks while driving - and always keep your tines as low to the ground as possible when moving the fork, never drive the fork with tines raised.
- When the forks are raised, never walk or stand under them.
- Do not allow anyone to ride with you on lift unless it is made for more then one person. Forklifts are not elevators. Do not lift anyone unless you are using a special basket.
- If your truck starts to tip over, DON’T JUMP! Stay in your seat, grip the wheel securely and brace yourself with your feet.
- Stay under the overhead guard. Keep your hands and feet inside the forklift.
- Remember that you, a forklift license holder, are the most important safety device on a forklift.
Operating a forklift is an important job for anyone with a forklift license. It is a good idea to print these forklift safety tips out and attach a copy by the steering wheel of each forklift. Don’t forget that up to date training of forklift license holders and regular maintenance of company forklifts is definitely a good policy to adopt. Safety within the workplace is of the utmost importance to ensure the health and safety of all employees.
The numbers of accidents by forklifts can be reduced very easily if the above forklift safety tips are followed and obeyed by forklift license holders and workers within the forklift operational area.