{"id":59629,"date":"2025-01-10T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T10:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=59629"},"modified":"2025-04-15T11:29:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T11:29:35","slug":"best-practices-for-a-safer-workplace-in-using-forklifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/best-practices-for-a-safer-workplace-in-using-forklifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Forklifts Don\u2019t Have Undo Buttons, Here\u2019s How to Operate Safely"},"content":{"rendered":"
Why Forklift Safety Is a Non-Negotiable<\/strong><\/p>\n Forklifts aren’t just big toys for grownups, they\u2019re serious machines with serious power. But with great lifting comes great responsibility. That\u2019s why OSHA keeps a close eye on these industrial beasts through the Powered Industrial Trucks Standard (29 CFR 1910.178). Skipping training isn\u2019t just risky, it\u2019s a liability magnet.<\/p>\n Tip-overs, collisions, and cargo catastrophes? All preventable when you follow the rules and teach your team to play it safe.<\/p>\n OSHA\u2019s Recipe for a Certified Forklift Rockstar<\/strong><\/p>\n Operators can\u2019t just jump on and go. OSHA requires a three-part crash course in safety (minus the crashing, of course):<\/p>\n Refresher Time Isn\u2019t Just a Suggestion<\/strong><\/p>\n Even pros need a tune-up. Refresher training is a must if operators:<\/p>\n And just like oil changes, evaluations should happen every three years, no excuses.<\/p>\n Forklifts come in flavors. Pick the wrong one, and it\u2019s chaos on wheels.<\/p>\n Pre-Trip Game Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n Before you even start the engine, suit up and get your checklist out:<\/p>\n Pre-Use Inspection Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n A forklift inspection isn\u2019t optional. It\u2019s how you avoid a forklift fiasco.<\/p>\n Key Tip:<\/strong> If anything\u2019s off, don\u2019t wing it. Tell your supervisor and let a certified mechanic take over.<\/p>\n Before the Big Lift<\/strong><\/p>\n Engine on? Good. Now do this:<\/p>\n When Lifting and Moving Loads<\/strong><\/p>\n Follow the golden rules:<\/p>\n Stacking and Unstacking<\/strong><\/p>\n How to pile it up without knocking it all down:<\/p>\n Slippery Surfaces<\/strong><\/p>\n Overhead Hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n Heavy Traffic Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n Loading Docks and Ramps<\/strong><\/p>\n In Case of Emergency<\/strong><\/p>\n Forklift safety is serious business, but it doesn\u2019t have to be boring. The best way to prevent injuries, boost confidence, and stay OSHA-compliant is simple, keep training. Whether you’re new to the forks or just due for a check-in, make safety part of your work culture.<\/p>\n And while you\u2019re at it, check out the Forklift Safety: Dynamics and Balance Training Course<\/strong><\/a>. It dives deep into the physics of forklift operation, showing operators how to stay balanced, avoid tip-overs, and keep control like a seasoned pro.<\/p>\n Want to round out your training toolkit? Learn the basics and beyond with our Forklift Safety Training Course<\/strong><\/a>. Because smart teams train often and drive safer.<\/p>\n Forklifts are tough, but training makes them legendary. Want fewer accidents and smoother moves? Safety\u2019s your real MVP. Why Forklift Safety Is a Non-Negotiable Forklifts aren’t just big toys for grownups, they\u2019re serious machines with serious power. But with great lifting comes great responsibility. That\u2019s why OSHA keeps a close eye on these industrial beasts …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59700,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[74,4058],"tags":[4141,4139,4138,1048,4143,4140,4136,4137,4142,2862],"class_list":["post-59629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-forklift-training-toolbox-talks","category-workplace-safety","tag-forklift-inspections","tag-forklift-maintenance","tag-forklift-operator-training","tag-forklift-safety","tag-forklift-tip-over-prevention","tag-load-handling-safety","tag-osha-forklift-standards","tag-powered-industrial-trucks","tag-ppe-for-forklift-operators","tag-workplace-safety"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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One forklift does not rule them all. The right machine for the right job keeps things safe, smooth, and way more efficient.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Want fewer breakdowns and more uptime? Inspect like a boss before every shift. No shortcuts allowed.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Lift it like a pro. Align, lower, tilt, and transport without turning your load into a circus act.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Slippery floors, low ceilings, and human traffic? It\u2019s not a video game, it\u2019s your shift. Play smart.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ready to level up your forklift game? Don\u2019t wait for an accident to teach the lesson, train smarter today.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nReferences<\/b><\/h3>\n
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