Forklift Safety - The Daily Safety Checklist

Hydraulic Brakes - Forklift Safety - The Daily Safety Checklist

Forklift Safety - The Daily Safety Checklist

Forklifts are a valuable part of the workplace, however they are also one of the most dangerous parts of the workplace as well. Their ability to move heavy loads and unload and load trucks is invaluable, but with this power comes danger. While most employees understand the usefulness of forklifts many do not understand the dangers and the safety training required for their use.

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As employees become familiar with forklifts they also become too lax with safety procedures. They start to forget how dangerous the machines are and how quickly a dangerous accident could occur. These machines are so powerful that when an accident occurs, it can be a serious one. Every employee should be trained on forklift safety, so that they can effective and safe in their use. While every different Forklift has different characteristics there are basic safety rules that all Forklifts follow.

Before beginning every day a forklift should be checked out. If the forklift runs round the clock, it should be checked between shifts. If anything appears to be wrong it should be tagged as out of service and your supervisor should be notified.

A check-list should be created for the inspection and the following items should be checked:

The exterior should be checked for properly moving parts and for bent or broken safety guards.

The air pressure of tires should be checked and solid tires should be checked for cuts and debris.

Check the steering to see if it is too loose or tight, check the warning lights, backup lights, horns and brakes, hydraulics, batteries for leaks and corrosion, and the oil level.

For electric models check the battery's electrolyte level and make sure you wear personal protective equipment. For fuel models check the propane, oil or gasoline levels and, in addition, check the transmission fluid, motor oil and coolant levels. Recharge and refuel only in no-smoking areas. Make sure you follow all of the specific safety procedures of your vehicle for refueling and recharging. This is dangerous activity that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Make sure that every employee receives forklift safety training. OSHA Training guidelines require it and it will vastly improve the safety of your workplace. Forklifts provide us with a valuable tool that we can't live without but with our their safe use they can be as dangerous as they are helpful.