Forklifts/ Powered Industrial

Trucks

Is Forklift Certification Necessary?

Approximately 100 deaths each year

Approximately 95,000 accidents each year

OSHA training standard

Authorized Operator

Only trained and authorized personnel

permitted to operate a forklift

Authorized to remove unsafe units from

operation

Trainees

Trainees may operate a forklift only:

– Under direct supervision of a trainer

– Where such operation does not

endanger the trainee or other

employees

Training and Evaluation

An evaluation of each forklift operator’s

performance must be conducted:

– After initial training

– After refresher training

– At least once every three years

Certifications

You must be certified for each type of

vehicle individually!

Refresher Training &

Evaluation

Refresher training is required when:

– Unsafe operation is witnessed

– Accident or near-miss occurs

– Evaluation indicates need

– Different type of equipment introduced

– Workplace condition changes

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Do not approach a forklift unless the truck

has come to a complete stop and the

operator is fully aware you are in the

vicinity.

Be aware of your surroundings and the

possibility of forklifts operating in the area.

Pedestrians share the responsibility of

watching out for traffic.

Forklift VS. Automobile

Forklift

-Steers from the rear

-Higher center of gravity and

CG moves significantly

-Greater mobility with load

-Narrower Wheel track

-High structure

-As heavy or heavier than

most automobiles

-Braking not as effective

Automobile

-Steers from the front

-Lower Center of Gravity

and CG moves in a

narrower range

- Wide Wheel Track

-Lower structure

-Long wheel base

-Better braking

Pedestrian Traffic Hazards

Exiting from Locker Rooms, Break Rooms,

hallways, other offices, etc.

Walking around blind corners