On a forklift, stability is the key to safety and the most important step is knowing your lift's capacity, according to ehstoday.com.
Always be aware of the load capacity of a forklift. Review the data plate on the truck. Data plates should be readable and not tampered with in any way. If a data plate has been altered, check with the employer.
Know your route. In busy environments, be familiar with possible obstacles or traffic that can cause problems. Narrow passages or areas with foot traffic can make your passage dangerous. Don't hesitate to stop and wait for traffic or hazards to clear.
Of course, this can only be done if you are driving at a speed suitable for the situation. Driving too fast on a forklift is a common cause of accidents in the workplace. Be aware of speed bumps and workplace speed limits.
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Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
