Forklift Safety – Basic Loading and Cargo-Carrying Tips

Forklift operation is a bit more complicated than it might at first seem.  The demands of balancing cargo loads, weight transfer and safe maneuvering mean that piloting a forklift takes a specialized skill set – certainly more than just transferring basic driving skills onto a new platform.  The safe operation of a forklift involves a delicate balancing act that takes into account the driver’s surroundings, the cargo being moved and the weight of that cargo.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has produced several guides that boil down their forklift operations regulations into specific tips that aim to decrease the chance of injury while using this type of equipment.

Forklifts are rated to carry specific weight loads, but this rating is based on a well-centered load distribution.  These vehicles are very sensitive to improperly balanced loads, which can make them dangerous to operate if a driver is uninformed as to the capabilities of the machine or the nature of the load itself.  As a result, it is always preferable to make multiple trips than to attempt to move too much cargo at once.  Any load should have its weight centered as close to the wheels of the forklift as is possible, without any severe overhangs protruding from the machine’s forks.  Risk managers must train their employees in the proper interpretation of a forklift’s maximum load capacity, which is often posted based on the use of a standard – and short – mast length.  If using a longer mast, allowances must be made that reduce the maximum load weight in ratio to the amount extra extension involved.

After a load has been positioned on a vehicle’s forks, operators should double check to ensure that proper height clearance exists over their machine in order to facilitate safe lifting.  If any snagging or resistance is encountered while cargo is being raised, instead of forcing the issue workers should lower the payload to the floor and determine what is causing the problem.  Once lifted, loads should be carried with the forks tilted backwards in order to position as much of the weight as possible against the frame of the vehicle.

Avoiding abrupt changes in speed, direction or orientation can go a long way towards minimizing the forces that can cause a forklift to lose its equilibrium or toss its cargo onto the loading floor, potentially injuring workers in the immediate vicinity.  A low mast carrying height also decreases the chance of tipping while the forklift is in motion, especially if any elevation changes are encountered between the cargo’s origin and destination.  When it is time to lower cargo into its new location, the mast should be returns to its vertical position and the forklift immobilized in order to maintain stability.

Forklift operators should also make sure to take steps to protect both their hands and ears from the effects of extensive exposure to this type of heavy machinery.  Ear protection is essential for preventing hearing loss, whether it be in the form of muffs or plugs.  Likewise, gloves such as those offered by Ergodyne can absorb the vibration caused by a forklift’s engine and suspension system and help to lower the chance of wrist or hand injury associated with continuous operation.