Forklift Safety for you and your workers

When a large piece of heavy, expensive, complex machinery is introduced into your warehouse, safety has to be your number one concern. Accidents can occur, but with proper training and a conscientious operator, these accidents can become rare. Forklift safety is essential for anyone who will operate, maintain or be in proximity to your forklift. OSHA has specific guidelines for operating a forklift. Safety is important, not only to protect your employees, but also to protect your investment. OSHA federal regulation CFR1910.178 states, "Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck." This includes forklifts.

Not everyone is permitted to run a forklift. OSHA sees a forklift operator as a specialized job, one that requires specific training and authorization from your company to become a certified forklift operator. OSHA offers training courses and lists all the requirements both they and your state require for optimum forklift safety. OSHA says that anyone hired to operate a “powered industrial truck” must complete training and evaluation before they are assigned to operate the vehicle. Forklift safety begins with the operator, and the regulations are in place to save live, reduce accidents and lower costs.