7 Excellent Forklift Safety Tips

Forklifts are great for moving freight around a warehouse. This is a practically indispensable piece of equipment if you must move heavy objects such as pallets of supplies. However, many businesses today don’t take forklift safety seriously enough. Some warehouse supervisors will simply take the individual’s word that they know how to drive a forklift. That’s why forklift training is a must.

OSHA Forklift Standards, Part 1910, Subpart N contains information on OSHA’s forklift safety regulations. “Powered Industrial Trucks” is the title. “Materials Handling and Storage” is the subtitle. The rules are available to read on OSHA’s website.

Forklift Safety Tips

Below we’ve outlined 7 great tips for forklift safety that can help prevent accidents at your business.

1. Never load a forklift with more than it can handle. Make sure the load capacity is posted on the forklift. This information is available in the owner’s manual and on most forklifts. Err on the side of caution if you are unsure whether the load you are lifting exceeds the lift’s capability.
2. Make sure the load is centered. This is something all forklift drivers should know about. Each load must be centered with the heaviest part of the load nearest to the front wheels of the forklift.
3. Don’t speed! Forklifts must move slowly. This machine is a workhorse and yet it requires you to take your time. No quick turns. No racing. Drive carefully.
4. Adjust the forks so that the weight of the load is centered between them. The forks can be adjusted either manually or with the fork positioner.
5. Make sure your forklift’s forks are lifted to the appropriate height and that the direction control is in neutral before approaching your load. This will lessen the chance of you tipping a load.
6. Is there enough overhead space? You will lose the load if there is not enough overhead space. Before raising the load, make sure the space is clear. Take additional precautions when raising the load under sprinkler systems, pipes, lighting fixtures, or anything attached to the ceiling. Make sure you have enough space if you are moving to pass underneath an obstruction.
7. Stop before raising and lowering the forks. The forklift must be stopped and the brake set before raising or lowering the forks.

Forklift Safety Stats

Each year in the US, there are approximately 34,900 forklift accidents. These result in up to 67,650 injuries and about 97 deaths. It’s best to put all your forklift drivers through one of those safety courses so they’ll know what they’re doing. Don’t take the individual’s word for it. There are websites today where drivers can get trained and certified. This is best for the safety of your crew and it will cut way down on forklift accidents. You may even get cheaper rates on the workman’s comp insurance.

When parts wear out on your forklift, replace them. This is usually a task that one of the warehouse employees can perform. Even a worn-out forklift seat or fork lift seat belt can cause problems. Make sure all the components on your forklift are working properly and in good condition before allowing workers to use the equipment.

Visit Forklift Accessories for Parts

Bahrns Equipment, the parent company of Forklift Accessories, has a rich history spanning more than 50 years in forklift sales, service, parts, forklift rental, material handling equipment, warehouse supplies, and shipping supplies. Additionally, Bahrns Equipment provides top brands, sales, service, parts, and much more for lawn and garden equipment.

Customer satisfaction has always been a top goal for Bahrns. The organization has a reputation for quality, service, and honesty and is now a recognized leader in the numerous industries we work in. We appreciate our customers and the trust you place in us each day.