Forklifts are extremely useful workplace vehicles, as long as they are used safely and properly by operators who have been trained and are deemed competent to use them. Forklifts are dangerous: they account for 25% of injuries at work. Many workplace accidents involve people being hit or run over by forklift trucks (typically when the forklift is reversing). Forklift accidents can cause serious injury, death, property and product damage. Accidents can be prevented if risk assessment are conducted, safe work procedures are followed, regular Tool Box Talks are conducted and HSE continuous surveillance observations of work tasks are performed periodically. Common Forklift Hazards: • Overloading • Unsafe Stacking • Speeding • Unauthorized operation of forklift • Untrained forklift operators. • Pedestrians and forklifts moving in the same place. • Obstruction in the path e.g. overhead, uneven ground surfaces, blind corners etc. • Reversing Common Safe Practices: • Prior to use, forklifts must be inspected by a competent person, & inspection sticker should be posted on it. • Only trained and authorized operators can operate a forklift. • Carry out daily forklift pre-operation checks using checklist. • Report to supervisor any forklift damage or problem. • Don’t use a forklift to lift a worker. • Check the load loads carefully before moving them for stability and damage. • Slow down and sound the horn at crossings, and locations where view is blocked. • Do not authorize anyone to stand or walk under the load or forklift machinery. • Be aware of the height of the load, mast and overhead guard of the forklift when entering or existing buildings. • Don’t handle loads that are above the weight capacity of the forklift. • Follow the speed limit. • Flagmen must be available while forklift is in operation. • Focus on the travelling path and keep a clear view of it. • When leaving a forklift, pull the parking brake, lower the forks and neutralize the controls. • Don’t drive and raise load at the same time • Don’t make sudden sharp turns • Don’t brake suddenly when the forklift is loaded. • Watch out for overhead structures (e.g. pipes & beams) • Follow traffic management. • Use rear view mirrors and camera while reversing.

1. Form # HSEQ – HSEA (Rev 1 – Aug 18)
HSE ALERT 043
FORKLIFT SAFETY AWARENESS
Forklifts are extremely useful workplace vehicles, as long as they are used safely and properly by
operators who have been trained and are deemed competent to use them. Forklifts are dangerous: they
account for 25% of injuries at work. Many workplace accidents involve people being hit or run over by
forklift trucks (typically when the forklift is reversing). Forklift accidents can cause serious injury, death,
property and product damage. Accidents can be prevented if risk assessment are conducted, safe work
procedures are followed, regular Tool Box Talks are conducted and HSE continuous surveillance
observations of work tasks are performed periodically.
Common Forklift Hazards:
 Overloading
 Unsafe Stacking
 Speeding
 Unauthorized operation of forklift
 Untrained forklift operators.
 Pedestrians and forklifts moving in the same place.
 Obstruction in the path e.g. overhead, uneven ground surfaces, blind corners etc.
 Reversing
Common Safe Practices:
 Prior to use, forklifts must be inspected by a competent person, & inspection sticker should be
posted on it.
 Only trained and authorized operators can operate a forklift.
 Carry out daily forklift pre-operation checks using checklist.
 Report to supervisor any forklift damage or problem.
 Don’t use a forklift to lift a worker.
 Check the load loads carefully before moving them for stability and damage.
 Slow down and sound the horn at crossings, and locations where view is blocked.
 Do not authorize anyone to stand or walk under the load or forklift machinery.
 Be aware of the height of the load, mast and overhead guard of the forklift when entering or
existing buildings.
 Don’t handle loads that are above the weight capacity of the forklift.
 Follow the speed limit.
 Flagmen must be available while forklift is in operation.
 Focus on the travelling path and keep a clear view of it.
 When leaving a forklift, pull the parking brake, lower the forks and neutralize the controls.
 Don’t drive and raise load at the same time
 Don’t make sudden sharp turns
 Don’t brake suddenly when the forklift is loaded.
 Watch out for overhead structures (e.g. pipes & beams)
 Follow traffic management.
 Use rear view mirrors and camera while reversing.
Turn off the engine – No accident! Apply the parking brake – No accident! Remove the key – No accident!
Do not overload
Flagman