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🚜 Forklift Safety

Topic: Safe operation of forklifts and material handling equipment Duration: 5-7 minutes Required: OSHA requires forklift training for all operators

The Stats​

  • Forklifts cause approximately 85 deaths per year
  • 34,900 serious injuries annually
  • Most common incidents: tip-overs, workers struck, crushing

OSHA requires: Only trained and authorized operators may use forklifts.

Pre-Operation Inspection​

Before each shift, check:

Tires & Wheels​

  • Proper inflation
  • No damage or excessive wear
  • Lug nuts tight

Fluids​

  • Fuel/charge level
  • Hydraulic fluid
  • Engine oil
  • Coolant

Controls​

  • Steering responds properly
  • Brakes work (service and parking)
  • Horn works
  • Lights work (if equipped)

Forks & Mast​

  • Forks not bent or cracked
  • Mast operates smoothly
  • Chains not worn or damaged
  • No hydraulic leaks

If anything fails inspection — tag out and report.

Safe Operation Rules​

Load Handling​

  • Know the forklift's capacity — never exceed it
  • Keep loads low (4-6 inches) while traveling
  • Tilt mast back to stabilize load
  • Center the load on forks
  • Don't lift loads with one fork

Travel​

  • Always travel with forks low
  • Drive in reverse if load blocks forward view
  • Sound horn at intersections and blind spots
  • Slow down on wet or uneven surfaces
  • Keep 3 truck lengths from other forklifts

Inclines​

  • Drive up ramps with load facing uphill
  • Drive down ramps with load facing downhill (forks first going down)
  • Never turn on a ramp

Pedestrians​

  • Pedestrians always have right of way
  • Never drive toward anyone standing near a fixed object
  • Use horn at corners and intersections
  • Make eye contact before proceeding

Tip-Over Prevention​

Forklifts tip over when:

  • Loads are too heavy
  • Loads are too high while traveling
  • Turning too fast
  • Operating on slopes/uneven ground
  • One wheel goes over edge

If tip-over starts:

  • Stay in the seat
  • Hold on firmly
  • Brace feet
  • Lean away from direction of fall
  • Never jump — the forklift can crush you

What NOT To Do​

❌ Never allow riders ❌ Never raise people on the forks (use approved platform only) ❌ Never drive with elevated load ❌ Never leave running forklift unattended ❌ Never use phone while operating ❌ Never speed or horse around ❌ Never operate under the influence

Parking Procedure​

When leaving the forklift:

  1. Park on level surface
  2. Lower forks completely to ground
  3. Tilt forward slightly (forks flat)
  4. Put in neutral
  5. Set parking brake
  6. Turn off ignition
  7. Remove key

Discussion Questions​

  1. Who on this crew is trained and authorized to operate the forklift?
  2. Where should the forklift be parked when not in use?
  3. What's the capacity of our forklift? Where is it marked?
  4. What's our procedure if someone needs to be lifted?

Today's Commitment​

"I will only operate equipment I'm trained on and will complete pre-shift inspections."

Sign-In​

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