Ten Essential Forklift Safety Tips for Beginners and Experienced Operators
Whether you’re considering whether to apply for a position as a novice forklift operator, or need a refresher course after a career change, understanding forklift safety best practices is crucial.
- Proper training is essential
In the UK, all forklift operators must possess the necessary training to legally use a forklift truck, as per official guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
- Regular inspections
Every time before the vehicle is used, the operator should thoroughly check the forklift for any significant damage, wear, leaks – particularly with regards to the vehicle’s brakes, controls, and tyres.
- Pre-operation checks
Related to inspecting the vehicle is adjusting and positioning certain components to suit the specific operator, this includes the mirrors, seat, forklift controls, and seatbelt etc.
- Safe and protective workwear
All operators should be provided with the relevant personal protective clothing. This typically includes a hard hat dependant on industry requirements and safety shoes as well as tight-fitting and high-visibility clothing.
- Environmental awareness
From abiding by site speed limits and designated travel routes with safety guidelines and warning signs, forklift operators should be aware of their surroundings to ensure optimum safety when operating a forklift.
- Safe and secure loading
With unsafe loads being common causes of accidents, it’s important for operators to avoid excessively heavily or high loads, as well as loads that are unevenly balanced or unsecured.
- Hazard awareness
From lumpy, uneven, and slippery surfaces to loose objects, doorways, and corners, forklift operators must be aware of potential hazards and take the necessary precautions to help avoid accidents or injuries.
- Driving on ramps
Due to the increased risk of tipping and accidents when driving a forklift on a ramp, forklift operators must exercise extra caution. For example, always travelling with the heaviest part of the machinery up hill.
Staying alert
While this next forklift safety tip of staying focused and alert might seem obvious, it can be overlooked especially as operators become too familiar or overconfident with forklift operation procedures.
- Post-operation procedure
After using the forklift, it should be returned to the designated area and parked in the correct position, switched off (with the keys removed from the ignition) ready for refuelling, ensuring any walkways, entrances, or exits aren’t being blocked.
Improving Safety with Accredited Forklift Training
Looking to operate a forklift safely and confidently?
SB Skills Solutions provide comprehensive forklift training and refresher courses that meet current industry standards and comply with all relevant Health and Safety regulations, including those recognised by the HSE.
Our accredited forklift training courses are led by experienced instructors and cover everything from safe operation and pre-use checks to understanding truck capabilities.
Whether you’re a beginner or ready for testing, we tailor training to all skill levels, ideal for careers in warehousing, logistics, or construction.
Get started today. Call us on 01695 558420, email info@sbskills.co.uk, or fill out our contact form to learn more about our forklift training options.
