February 21, 2022 Safety Tip of the Week delivered to your inbox each Monday by GrainnetSafety.com
Safe Forklift Operation
Forklift operators and employees working around these operations are at risk of hazards such as collisions, falls, tip-overs, and struck-by conditions. Ways to prevent these hazards include:
Forklift Operations
• Always operate the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always wear a seatbelt when the forklift has one.
• Never exceed the rated load and ensure it is stable and balanced.
• Do not raise or lower the load while traveling.
• Keep a safe distance from platform and ramp edges.
• Be aware of other vehicles in the work area.
• Have clear visibility of the work area and ensure you have enough clearance when raising, loading, and operating a forklift.
• Use proper footing and the handhold, if available, when entering the lift.
• Use horns at cross aisles and obstructed areas.
• Watch for pedestrians and observe the speed limit.
• Do not give rides or use the forks to lift people.
Safety Training
• Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift.
• Ensure operators are trained on types of trucks in use.
Forklift Maintenance
• Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition.
• Keep forklifts in clean condition; free of excess oil and grease.
• Repair and maintain according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.