The Ultimate Guide to Forklift Safety – Tips and Rules to Follow

If you work in retail or at a warehouse then knowing how to operate a forklift is one of the workplace essentials. Driving a forklift is not easy and also comes with its safety hazards. Here are some tips and rules that you should follow in order to smoothly operate a forklift while keeping your safety in mind as well.

Always Wear a Seatbelt

According to OSHA, between 35, 000 to 62,000 injuries occur every year due to forklifts. Forklifts come with a seatbelt to ensure the driver’s safety but many people neglect to wear them. If you’re operating a forklift, always wear your seatbelt so that even if you do get into an accident while on the job, your injuries aren’t too serious.

Never Exceed the Load Capacity

Forklifts  come with a load capacity depending on the manufacturer. Usually they may range anywhere between 3,000 lbs. to over 70,000 lbs. Make sure you’re aware of the load capacity of the forklift you’re operating.

When loading and transporting goods using the forklift, check that the weight of the load you’re transporting doesn’t exceed the load capacity of the forklift. If this happens, the forklift might collapse from the excess weight, injuring you in the process as well.

Don’t Raise or Lower the Load While Moving

As you drive the forklift from one end of the warehouse to the other, make sure that you don’t raise or lower the load on the lift. This could cause the goods and the forklift to tip over. Make sure the forklift is balanced at an appropriate height while driving it. Never drive with the load up in the air, low and slow is the way to go.

Forklift training can help you not only learn how to operate one but also take care of your health and safety while doing so. You can learn more about forklift courses Newmarket through online and in-class forklift training sessions offered by professionals at Premier Proactive Education (PPE) LTD.

We also teach courses on fall protection, working at heights certificate, safety services and more. You can consult us to know if your business is COVID-compliant and ensure the safety of your employees.

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