What are the safety precautions for forklifts?
2 Answers
Forklift safety precautions include establishing forklift operating procedures and training operators; regularly supervising and inspecting operations; and performing daily maintenance on forklifts. Causes of forklift accidents: Illegal operation: such as driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while fatigued, or driving without a license. Reckless driving: such as speeding, competing for right-of-way, forcing overtaking, rough handling, not following designated paths, failing to actively yield to pedestrians and vehicles, or carrying passengers. Lack of concentration: not carefully observing before starting, being distracted during operation, or having a mindset of rushing to complete tasks or cutting corners.
I used to drive forklifts frequently, and safety is absolutely crucial—no room for carelessness. Before getting on, I always made a habit of walking around the vehicle to check for tire leaks and ensure the hydraulic rods were secure, then fastening the seatbelt to make sure everything was stable. When driving, I kept it slow, especially in narrow aisles or when turning, as speeding up could easily lead to loss of control. When loading cargo, I balanced the pallet first, avoiding overloading—any weight imbalance could tilt the entire machine, which is extremely dangerous. I also paid attention to visibility, using mirrors for blind spots or honking when reversing to alert others. On rainy days when the ground was slippery, I doubled my caution, braking early to prevent skidding. In short, these small habits saved me more than once—safety depends on proactively developing good practices.
