Forklift Operation Toolbox Talk
Before the Toolbox Talk
This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety meetings. Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting. Publicize your meeting so everyone involved will be sure to attend. Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its content.
Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your workplace. You should be able to present the material in your own words and lead the discussion without reading it.
Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation. Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time. Try to use equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.
Give the safety talk in your own words. Use the printed talk merely as a guide. The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate a discussion of safety problems and provide solutions to those problems. Encourage employees to discuss hazards or potential hazards they encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways to improve safety in their area. Don’t let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics. As a discussion leader, it’s your job to make sure the topic is safe. Discussing other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.
Toolbox Talk: Forklift Truck Operation
Powered industrial trucks are essential for the quick and easy movement of loads that used to take several workers hours to complete. But like other conveniences that save work and time, forklifts and hy-lifts may be taken for granted. For you, that’s a dangerous practice.
When companies select lift truck operators, they consider the competence, dependability, and mental and physical fitness of the individuals. It is then up to you, the smooth operators, to live up to the responsibility that is placed upon you. Smooth operators must know how to operate the trucks carefully and safely and react correctly to every situation.
All smooth operators know the maximum load limit of their lifts and never permit an overload. They are aware that their trucks are to be backed down a ramp, but a load going uphill should be in front. Before backing a lift truck, smooth operators check to see if any co-workers or objects are in their paths.
Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way. The smooth operators check their machines thoroughly before starting them and report malfunctions immediately. Before and after each shift, smooth operators check the brakes, steering, controls, forks, hoist, warming devices, and lights.
Forklift masts should be tilted back when the lift is driven. Smooth operators keep their heads, arms, and legs inside the truck. The forks are kept about 6 inches above the ground while the truck is being driven. Smooth operators know that a lift is not an elevator for other workers.
Common hazards, such as co-workers working in the area, other truck traffic, and poor surface conditions, are recognized by smooth operators. They drive on the right side under normal conditions, avoid quick starts, quick turns, and jerky stops, come to a complete stop before reversing direction and watch the distance between other vehicles.
Smooth operators are also courteous; they sound their horns when approaching a blind corner or when other workers do not see them. Driving surfaces are the same potential hazard for all drivers, including lift operators. Smooth operators reduce speed when the surface is rough or slick and do not exceed the height, weight, or lifting capacity of the truck. They check clearance and when loading a truck bed, they know the weight capacity and condition of the bed.
Besides knowing company rules, smooth operators know their machines and the conditions of the job, have a sense of safety for themselves and others, can concentrate on the job at hand, and have a strong sense of pride in their jobs. Smooth operators are the key to safety–they operate the machines properly, efficiently, and alertly. Smooth operators keep their cool.
Interactive Discussion
- Have you or someone you know been injured or nearly injured while carrying out this activity? What happened?
- How can we stay safe today?
- What do we do at the worksite to prevent injuries related to this activity?
After the Toolbox Talk
At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting. Keep this talk on file for your records.