5 Ways to Maximize Forklift Safety

Any workplace that uses forklifts should emphasize forklift safety. Promoting forklift safety can prevent costly violations and accidents. Here are 5 ways to optimize forklift safety: 

1. Make Sure All Employees Are Properly Educated, Trained and Certified

Studies show that proper training and education is a great deterrent of accidents. Employers should develop and implement a training program based on the general principles of safe operation, the types of forklifts used in the workplace, the potential hazards in the workplace, and the general safety requirements of the OSHA standard. According to OSHA, with these training policies, about 70% of forklift accidents could be prevented. 

Additionally, operators must be properly certified per OSHA regulations. OSHA requires forklift operators to be certified in a two-phase training course: a classroom-style training and test, and a hands-on evaluation. Only trained and competent operators should be permitted to operate a forklift.

2. Understanding Your Forklift’s Load Capacity and the Stability Triangle

Many forklift accidents happen because the operators are not knowledgeable about how much their forklifts can carry. In fact, tip-overs due to overloading is a leading cause of forklift accidents. So, understanding your forklift’s load capacity is extremely important. 

A forklift’s load capacity is found in two places: on the data plate of the forklift, and in the operator’s manual. This capacity refers to a balanced load carried on the stated load center. It can change depending on the attachments used, the height of the lift, and the length of the load. 

• Forklift attachments are anything that is attached to the front of the forklift. Generally, as you add attachments to the forklift, the load capacity decreases. 
• Lift height also affects load capacity. Forklifts with high masts will have lower capacity as the lift height increases. 
• The length of the load changes load capacity as well. The longer the length of the load is the lower the capacity. 

The above three points factor into the center of gravity of your forklift. To prevent accidents, a forklift’s center of gravity should be within what is known as The Stability Triangle. The Stability Triangle is a triangle formed by connecting the two front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle. 

With a load, the center of gravity of the forklift is at the center of the triangle. But as you add more weight to the forks or raise the mast with a load, the center of gravity shifts to the front of the triangle. Moving the center of gravity out of the Stability Triangle by adding too much weight or adding weight in the wrong places can cause tip-overs. 

3. Perform Daily Inspections and Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your forklift is not just a great way to extend the life of your forklift, it is also one of the best ways to ensure forklift safety. Regular maintenance safeguards your forklifts against problems that go beyond the normal wear and tear. OSHA requires daily inspections to be performed at the beginning of each shift. Forklifts equipped with safety devices, must be in good working order, otherwise the forklift should be tagged out of service until it can be repaired. These daily inspections also help operators identify operational issues so they can be addressed before they become bigger problems or lead to accidents. By keeping your forklift in optimal working condition, you will have a safer operating experience. 

4. Be Aware of Your Work Environment

A lack of awareness in the workplace can be detrimental not only to the products you are moving but also to your employees. Many accidents occur due to the operator or someone in the forklift’s vicinity not paying attention. Practice mindfulness by remaining vigilant of one's surroundings, keeping an eye on where you’re going, using your alarms to alert others of your presence, ensuring your loads are balanced and within load capacity, and practicing safe operation of the forklift vehicle. These five simple actions can prevent accidents and save lives. 

5. Store Your Forklifts Properly

Another way to promote forklift safety and prevent accidents is to store your forklifts properly after use. They should be parked on a flat surface. Engage your parking brakes. Make sure your forks are flush to the ground. The forklift should be turned off, and the keys should be removed from the ignition. 

At Bobcat, safety is a top priority. Our facilities have strict safety protocols, and all our operators are certified. We practice what we preach! Additionally, we are proud to provide customers with warehouse vehicles that have more standard safety features. Features such as our exclusive Guardian Stability System and Operator Sensing System, our high visibility cab and our rear grab bar with horn button help operators stay safe while improving productivity. Much of our equipment can also be equipped with blue lights for added visibility to pedestrian traffic.