Safe Forklift Operation
Course Description:
Forklifts are useful for handling heavy materials but remember that they are powerful machines that can be extremely dangerous if operated incorrectly. This course is designed to help you become a better and safer forklift operator. If you’re an experienced operator, this course may remind you of safe habits and work practices that you might have forgotten. If you’re a new operator, this course will describe the operating practices you need to follow to be a safe operator.
Why “Safe Forklift Operation” Matters:
Forklifts can be dangerous. In an average year, at least one worker per week is killed in a forklift accident, and sometimes more. Some of those who die are forklift operators, and others are employees working near forklift operations.
In addition to deaths, tens of thousands of forklift-related injuries occur each year. Most accidents and injuries could be prevented with specialized forklift safety training.
Key Points:
- Know the main hazards of forklifts, which include pedestrians, environmental conditions in the workplace, and loading and unloading.
- Position loads as close as possible to the vertical backrest.
- Remember what you learned about the center of gravity of a load and the “stability triangle.”
- Always conduct and document a preoperational inspection before operating a forklift.
- Always follow the safe operating “rules of the road.”
- And finally, refuel or recharge your forklift in properly ventilated areas, following all safety rules and wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
