Forklift Safety Procedures

Date: 2025-08-06

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to ensure all forklift operators understand and adhere to safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Introduction

Forklifts are essential for moving materials, but they also pose significant safety risks if not operated correctly. This toolbox talk will cover key safety procedures for forklift operation, focusing on pre-shift inspections, safe load handling, and pedestrian safety.

Key Points

• Pre-Shift Inspection: Before each shift, conduct a thorough inspection of the forklift. Check for any leaks, worn hoses, loose belts, broken structures, and loose or missing bolts. Ensure all safety devices are functioning correctly. Report any issues to your supervisor immediately and do not operate the forklift until it is repaired. [2]
• Safe Load Handling: Always know the recommended load limit of the forklift and never exceed it. Assess the weight of the load before lifting. Ensure the load is stable and properly secured on the forks. [3]
• Pedestrian Safety: Keep pedestrians away from the forklift operating area. Operate with extreme caution when near pedestrians and always yield the right-of-way. Stop when anyone crosses your path, lower the load, and wait until the area is clear. [1]
• Safe Operating Speed and Practices: Operate the forklift at a safe speed, considering all conditions. Drive smoothly, avoiding sudden stops, starts, or turns. Use the horn at intersections and blind spots to alert others. [1]
• Incline and Ramp Safety: When traveling on inclines or ramps, use proper procedures to maintain control. When loaded, always travel with the load uphill. When unloaded, travel with the attachment downhill. Avoid turning on slopes and travel straight up and down. [1]

Hazard Identification

• Unstable Loads: Loads that are not properly secured can shift or fall, causing serious injuries to the operator or nearby workers. (Risk: High)
• Pedestrian Collisions: Collisions with pedestrians can result in severe injuries or fatalities. (Risk: High)
• Forklift Overturn: Operating a forklift on uneven surfaces or with excessive speed can cause it to overturn, leading to operator injury. (Risk: Medium)
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failure, steering malfunction, or other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and accidents. (Risk: Medium)
• Obstructed Vision: Blind spots or obstructions can prevent the operator from seeing pedestrians or other hazards, increasing the risk of collisions. (Risk: Medium)

Control Measures

• Conduct daily inspections: Use a checklist to ensure all critical components are inspected before each shift. [4]
• Maintain safe speeds: Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust speed based on conditions. [1]
• Ensure load stability: Properly secure loads and avoid lifting unstable or overweight items. [5]
• Use pedestrian safety measures: Implement designated walkways, warning signs, and audible signals to alert pedestrians. [5]
• Provide adequate training: Ensure all operators are trained and certified to operate forklifts safely. [3]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Safety Boots: Wear fully laced safety boots to provide impact protection when moving loads or skids and to provide ankle support when mounting and dismounting the lift truck. [1]
• Leather Gloves: Wear leather gloves when moving or shifting loads or when checking skids to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and impacts. [1]
• High-Visibility Clothing: High-visibility clothing enhances visibility, especially in busy or poorly lit environments, helping to prevent collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles. [5]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the most common hazards you encounter while operating a forklift?
2. What steps can we take to improve pedestrian safety in our work area?
3. How can we ensure that pre-shift inspections are consistently thorough?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a forklift overturn, stay in the truck. [1]
2. Report any collisions, damage, or near-miss incidents to a supervisor immediately. [1]
3. In the event of a mechanical failure, immediately stop the forklift and notify maintenance personnel.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always perform a pre-shift inspection to identify and address any mechanical issues.
• Handle loads safely by knowing the load limits and ensuring stability.
• Prioritize pedestrian safety by maintaining awareness and yielding the right-of-way.
• Operate the forklift at a safe speed and follow safe operating procedures on inclines and ramps.

Remember: Safety First: Operate Forklifts with Care and Awareness!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS