CMHA Construction

Worksite: ___________________________ Instructor: _________________________ Date/Time: __________

TOPIC C003: FORKLIFTS (A)
Forklifts are involved in many serious injury accidents, mostly due to improper, careless operation. Forklift
drivers must be properly trained before being allowed to operate them without direct supervision. A review of
your performance is required as part of your initial and refresher training, and at least once every three years.
Retraining will be required if changes in the workplace present new safety hazards regarding forklift operation,
or if you are assigned to operate a different type of forklift or are observed operating the forklift unsafely.
Remember: Unsafe operation of a forklift requires mandatory retraining. When carrying a load, keep it as low as
possible. Battery charging must be done in a designated area
OSHA requires training to be based on:
• Your demonstrated ability to operate a forklift safely • The types of forklifts you will operate
• Any required inspection or maintenance procedures • The hazards present in the workplace
• Your prior knowledge and skill
Common causes of fatal or serious forklift accidents are:
• Being crushed between the vehicle and another surface • Running the forklift off of a surface
• Getting struck by the vehicle • Falling material from a dropped load
• Falling from a platform onto the forks • Vehicle tip-overs
Basic Forklift Safety:
• Don’t allow anyone underneath raised forks, regardless of whether the forks are loaded or empty
• Don’t handle loads in excess of the trucks or any attached component’s rated capacity
• Place forks under the load as far as possible when lifting; then tilt the mast slightly rearward. Don’t tilt mast
forward unless setting the load down
• Overhead and back guards must be in place to protect you from the risk of falling loads
• Approval by a competent person is needed if you’re operating a forklift in a hazardous location
• Never drive up to anyone standing in front of fixed objects. No riders are allowed on a forklift unless it is
designed for a passenger
• When carrying a load, keep it as low as possible. Raise fork only as much as needed to clear road surface
• No speeding, slow down on wet, slippery surfaces and when turning
• Keep the forklift under control at all times to ensure and maintain safe stopping capability
• When approaching or crossing areas with obstructed views or blind spots, slow down and sound the horn
• Be sure there’s enough clearance to overhead obstructions like lighting fixtures, pipes, conduit or ductwork
• Fuel/Battery: Fuel or charge batteries in designated areas only. Follow the procedures closely when
charging, and make sure not to expose the battery or fluids to excessive heat or sources of ignition. Battery
fluids are toxic, always wear the correct PPE and work in well-ventilated areas
• Ensure that a complete inspection of the forklift is done daily. Refer to the forklift inspection checklist to
identify every forklift component that could cause injury if it malfunctions. A few examples are defective
breaks or lift controls, worn tires/damaged rims, hydraulic leaks, and inoperable gauges
Employee Attendance:(Names or signatures of personnel who are attending this meeting)
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These guidelines do not supersede local, state or federal regulations, and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any OSHA
regulations.

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