Forklift Safe Operation：Ensuring Personnel Safety and Equipment Durability

Behind the efficient operation of the logistics and warehousing industry, forklifts, as indispensable handling tools, have significantly enhanced operational productivity. However, the potential safety hazards in their operation cannot be overlooked. According to statistics, accidents caused by improper forklift operation occur frequently each year, posing serious threats not only to the lives and health of operators but also resulting in property losses and reputational risks for enterprises. For this reason, fully mastering and strictly adhering to forklift safety operating procedures has become a fundamental responsibility that every practitioner and related company must fulfill.

Operator Qualifications and Training

1. Professional Training
Forklift operation is far from simple manual labor; it requires professional skills and comprehensive knowledge. Operators must undergo thorough and systematic training covering the fundamental principles of forklifts, precise operating techniques, strategies for handling complex working conditions, and rapid response methods for emergency situations. Only by mastering this knowledge can operators make accurate judgments and perform correct operations when facing diverse and challenging work scenarios.

2. Certification and Qualifications
Obtaining the relevant operating license is a fundamental requirement for forklift operators. This certification serves not only as recognition of an operator's professional competence but also as a vital safeguard for the company's workplace safety. Operators should regularly participate in refresher training and assessments to ensure their skills and knowledge remain aligned with industry advancements and updates in safety regulations.

3. Safety Equipment Inspection

• The braking system is one of the core safety components of a forklift and must be confirmed to be responsive and effective. During inspection, test the brakes at different speeds to assess whether the response time and stopping distance are normal. Simultaneously, check that the parking brake is functioning correctly, ensuring it can effectively lock the wheels and prevent the vehicle from moving after it has come to a stop.

• The lighting system, including headlights, turn signals, and brake lights, must be fully operational. Headlights provide essential illumination for nighttime operations, turn signals communicate the forklift's intended direction of travel to people nearby, and brake lights alert those behind when the forklift is slowing down or stopping.

• The horn is another vital safety device; its sound must be loud and clear to serve as an effective warning signal when necessary. Inspect the seat belt to ensure it is in good condition without any damage, and check that the seat is comfortable and securely fixed. Operators must always wear their seat belt during operation, as this significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of an incident.

• 

Safety Checks During Operation

1. Visibility and Focus

• Maintaining excellent visibility is a prerequisite for safe forklift operation. During operation, the driver must continuously scan the surroundings and use rear-view and side mirrors to monitor conditions behind and beside the vehicle, ensuring there are no pedestrians or obstacles.

• Pay particular attention to blind spots when turning. Reduce speed in advance and sound the horn if necessary to alert others.

2. Speed and Travel Control

• Controlling travel speed appropriately for the work environment is crucial. In narrow aisles, congested warehouses, or areas with high pedestrian traffic, reduce speed—typically not exceeding 5 km/h. Speed may be increased moderately in open areas, but it should never be excessive, ensuring the ability to brake promptly in case of sudden events.

• Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking, as these actions can easily lead to load tipping or loss of vehicle control. Before turning, reduce speed and turn the steering wheel gradually while observing the load on the forks. When braking, apply the brake pedal smoothly to bring the vehicle to a gradual stop, preventing load displacement or forklift overturning due to momentum.

3. Load Handling and Transport Regulations

• Overloading is strictly prohibited. Every forklift has a rated load capacity determined by its design and structure. Exceeding this capacity severely compromises stability and controllability, significantly increasing accident risk. Always verify the load weight before handling to ensure it does not exceed the forklift's capacity.

• Ensure the load is evenly distributed on the forks and securely stabilized. Use straps, chains, or specialized securing devices to prevent the load from shifting or falling during transport. When raising or lowering loads, operate the controls slowly and smoothly to avoid sudden movements that could cause the load to swing or drop.

• 

• Workplace Safety Assurance

1. Warning Signs and Protective Measures

• It is essential to install clear and prominent safety signs and warning markings throughout the workplace. Notices such as "Forklift Operating Area," "No Entry," and "Caution" must be positioned appropriately to alert both operators and pedestrians.

• In areas with potential hazards, such as loading dock edges and battery charging stations, protective guardrails or barriers must be installed to prevent accidental falls or contact with dangerous equipment.

2. Emergency Response Preparedness

• Establishing a comprehensive emergency plan is critical for handling unexpected incidents. The plan should clearly outline response procedures and individual responsibilities for emergencies like forklift accidents, fires, and personnel injuries. For instance, in case of fire, operators must immediately stop work, attempt to extinguish it using a fire extinguisher or hose, and promptly alert others to evacuate.

• Necessary first-aid equipment and fire-fighting apparatus—such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets—must be available onsite. These items should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are fully functional during an emergency.

• Concurrently, employees should receive first-aid training, enabling them to administer correct preliminary medical measures immediately after an incident, thereby minimizing the severity of injuries.

Conclusion

By strictly adhering to the comprehensive forklift safety guidelines outlined above, both operators and management can achieve a true win-win scenario: safeguarding lives while protecting valuable company assets. Integrating forklift safety into every aspect of daily operations enables us to collectively foster a work environment that is both safe and highly efficient.