Forklifts, or industrial trucks, are useful for lifting and transporting cargo in many environments from manufacturing warehouses to construction sites, and shipping/loading docks. Forklift operators should have training on the forklift they will be using to operate it safety. Operators need awareness of the triangular center of gravity for loads of various sizes and shapes, as well as knowledge of the weight they can lift on the front, so the rear wheel does not lift off the ground. Instability can result in a forklift rollover. Rollovers are the leading causes of fatalities in forklift-related accidents.
The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178(a), 29 CFR 1910.178(b) and 29 CFR 1910.178(c) covers PITs used in materials handling and storage provides general requirements and specific instructions that PIT operators should always follow. The primary types of forklift classes can be found here: https://www.osha.gov/etools/powered-industrial-trucks/types-fundamentals/types
Loading and Unloading the Forklift
We realize dangerous and deadly situations can arise during the placement or retrieval of a load. So, to prevent such occurrences, practice the following:
Check the load for stability, before picking it up, by considering positioning of parts of the load that may move, slide, or fall during transit. Also, make sure to secure the load properly.
Forklift training is crucial to the safety of yourself and others, so maintain yours up to date. Forklift refresher training is required every 3 years, or sooner if you have an accident, bad evaluation, unsafe driving, a change of type of forklift you are driving, or change in workplace conditions.
FORKLIFT OPERATION IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!
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