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A strong forklift training program must consider four key factors:

• Hazards at work
• Operator’s previous experience
• Type of forklift to be use
• Operator’s demonstrated abilities

According to a Rhode Island worker safety report, anytime a forklift operator is observed operating the truck unsafely, he or she must be retrained. Retraining should also take place after each accident or near accident. Forklift operators should also be evaluated and retrained on a routine basis. In some settings, forklifts are referred to as Powered Industrial Trucks, or PITs.

Why all the focus on training for forklift operators? There are more than 1.5 million US workers who operate forklifts, or fork trucks, in almost every industry. Forklift accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries and even deaths at work.

Forklifts appear deceptively simple to operate. In a recent article, an OSHA safety consultant reported that forklifts expose workers to a number of dangers. Fork trucks can easily become unstable when overloaded. Even a lighter load can make the truck tip over if it is improperly balanced. A load that is too far forward on the tines, or forks, presents the greatest hazard.

In many industries forklifts are modify to improve their usefulness. In the manufacturing industry, common accessories include cylinder caddies, rug rams, hoppers, drum rotators, boom extensions, drum carriers and drum grippers. 

It’s important that the manufacturer approve any modifications in advance, in writing. Workers should be aware that every modification alters the safe operating standards of the fork truck. In particular, attachments reduce the forklift’s capacity. When an attachment is approved, the forklift manufacturer will issue new tags or decals detailing the revised capacity.

Maintaining proper forklift balance is a key to safe operation. Loads must be moved slowly. Operators should never add weight to the rear of a forklift in an effort to make it more stable. This tactic actually makes it more likely that the fork truck will flip over, often with fatal results.

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