What Everybody Needs to Know Before Climbing on a Forklift

For most businesses, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is the busiest time of the year. Business volumes boom. Production skyrockets. And even the size of the staff can swell with temporary seasonal employees.

Like most other employees, forklift operators are busier than ever during the holidays. There’s simply a lot of work to get done. But just because it’s busy doesn’t mean it’s okay to cut corners on safety.

It’s a good idea to conduct forklift safety refresher training before the holiday crush begins. But if you haven’t done it already, it may be too late to schedule it for this year. Instead, here is a crash course on forklift safety that features the top 10 things all forklift drivers need to remember to get through the holidays accident-free.

PPE and High Visibility Clothing

Never get into the driver’s seat without wearing the required personal protective equipment and high visibility vests or other clothing required by the job site. This could include a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, earphones, and other safety equipment.

Wash Your Hands

Before grabbing the wheel, make sure your hands are free of grease, oil, and other substances that could affect your ability to steer properly.

Conduct Your Pre-Shift Safety Check

We get it: There’s probably a long list of tasks on your to-do list during a pre-holiday shift. But performing the pre-shift safety check is part of the job. Plus, it only takes a couple of minutes.

Sit in Your Cab Properly

This may sound obvious, but when forklift operators are super busy there’s a tendency to sit on one side or the other, to not wear the seatbelt, or to even stand up while moving the vehicle. Just don’t’.

Pay Attention to Your Payload

Loads can shift during transport, especially if they aren’t secured properly in the first place. Don’t lift and move any load you haven’t checked to make sure it is secure, stable, and properly positioned over the forks.

Be Aware of Height Hazards

Similarly, loads that are packed too high could create a hazard when moving through doorways or areas with low clearance. Always be aware of the height of your load — both when it’s on the ground and when it’s elevated.

Stay Away from Others

Forklifts and pedestrians don’t mix. Forklifts and other forklifts don’t mix. When driving your vehicle, keep clear of everybody else. It’s not un-neighborly. It’s just safer.

Be Able to See Where You Are Going

Keep clear sight lines whether you are moving forward or backward. If you can’t see around your load, use a spotter. Don’t just assume there is nobody in your way.

Be Loud and Flashy

The more aware other people are of your presence, the more likely they will be to get out of your way. Use your horn liberally, especially when approaching intersections and corners. Keep your flashing lights on whenever the vehicle is moving.

Follow Your Forks

The area above and below your forks is your responsibility. Never allow anyone to walk underneath your raised forks. Don’t let anybody ride on them. And always be aware of what is in their path prior to moving them up, down, or side to side.

Safety is everybody’s responsibility. Adhere to these forklift safety basics and you can ensure a happy and safe holiday season for all.