>>back

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM - FORKLIFT SAFETY

Structure and Organization

The Forklift Safety information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections included in the Forklift Safety program are:

• OSHA's Certification Process.

• The Seven Classes of Industrial Trucks.

• Equipment Checkout.

• The "Stability Triangle".

• Safe Operating Procedures.

• Lifting and Lowering Loads.

• Trucks and Loading Docks.

• Equipment Maintenance.

Each section of the Forklift Safety program covers important information in one topic area, providing employees with the basis for understanding the basic concepts of Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck Safety.

Background

In many of today's facilities Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks are a necessity. Their ability to quickly move heavy loads from place to place, store and retrieve materials from different heights, and load and unload trucks and other vehicles make them indispensable. Most employees recognize what Industrial Trucks do for us and the fact that they are rugged, powerful tools.

However, what many employees don't remember is that the same hardworking qualities that make Industrial Trucks so helpful... power and strength... can also make them dangerous. As employees become familiar with the Industrial Trucks they use, many times they seem to "ignore" Forklift Safety; including proper operating procedures and maintenance requirements. They "forget" that when Industrial Trucks are used incorrectly, or when repairs aren't kept up, accidents will occur.

Because Industrial Trucks are such powerful and heavy pieces of equipment, when one is involved in an accident, it is usually serious. Industrial Trucks can inflict a great deal of damage and cause major injuries.

In order to operate Forklifts and other Industrial Trucks safely, and protect themselves from accidents, new employees need to know how to check out, operate and maintain these Trucks... and experienced employees need to be reminded of the importance of Forklift Safety procedures. Only then can they be comfortable, effective and safe when operating their Industrial Trucks.

Objectives

To help remind employees that it is important to adhere to specified operating procedures (as we)) as maintenance requirements) for their Forklifts/Powered Industrial Trucks, this education and train/nq program is designed to present fundamental information on Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck Safety. Upon completion of the program, employees should be able to:

• Check out their equipment before operating it.

• Survey the areas in which they operate their Industrial Trucks for potentially hazardous situations.

· Operate their Industrial Trucks using safe driving techniques.

• Pick up and deliver loads safely.

• Load and unload trucks and other vehicles.

Reviewing the Program

With the Forklift Safety program, as with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through it at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with facility policy and directives. An "outline" of the points in the Forklift Safety program is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference.

As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall Forklift Safety program presentation.

Click here for Forklift Safety training videos.