When the topic of forklift accidents is discussed, the primary concern is typically the potential for the vehicle to tip over. It is accurate to conclude that forklifts can overturn in the absence of adherence to established safety protocols. Additionally, there are other potential hazards associated with forklift utilisation that receive comparatively less attention, including collisions, injuries to pedestrians and other individuals, and so forth. It is of the utmost importance to adhere to the prescribed safety guidelines when operating a forklift in order to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents.

Fortunately, with a few simple safety precautions, it is possible to avoid these potential accidents. The following forklift safety checklist provides a series of recommendations for safe operation of an industrial lift truck.

Do A Pre-Op Inspection — Before operating a forklift, ensure everything is in proper working order, including the brakes, horn, lights, battery, steering, forks and fluid levels.

Avoid Pedestrians — Do not allow anyone near or under the forklift when carrying a load, even when stopped.

Use Your Horn — Sound your horn at intersections, blind corners and whenever you are unsure.

Watch Where You’re Going — Visibility is sometimes hindered by the load you’re carrying when operating a forklift. In these cases, it is safest to travel backwards or have a spotter help guide you safely to your destination.

Drive Slowly — Haste makes hazard! Drive slowly and cautiously, especially around turns (to avoid tipping over) and through intersections.

Check Capacities — Never overload the truck or carry unstable loads!

Stabilize Your Load — Keep your loads low and masts vertical or slightly tilted back just enough to stabilize the load. Raising a load too high or tilting the load too far forward or backward shifts the center of gravity and can put the forklift in danger of tipping over.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings — Check your overhead clearance, and watch out for hanging lines, doorways and other overhead clearance issues along your route. Also, be wary of soft shoulders and curbs, which can cause the forklift to tip.

Use Platform Safety — When using a moving platform, test the functionality of the platform alone before allowing personnel on it. Never allow anyone to use the truck as a ladder or ride on the moving platform while the truck is moving. Never leave the truck unattended while platform is raised.

Turn Slowly — Forklift turns are so important, even in an empty truck. Turn at a slow speed, and turn the steering wheel slowly to gradually ease into and out of turns. Keep in mind, the truck is rear weighted to balance out heavy loads and also has rear steering, so a quick or sharp turn even in an empty truck can still cause a tip over.

The majority of the advice provided may appear to be intuitive, however, forklift accidents do occur, frequently as a result of operator non-compliance with one or more of the safety protocols outlined in the aforementioned checklist. It is imperative that lift truck operators familiarise themselves with these safety regulations and refrain from any actions that may compromise the safety of themselves or others in relation to forklift operations.