Forklifts are industrial trucks used for raising and lowering loads and moving various materials over short distances. And while they can significantly increase productivity, they cause between 35,000 and 62,000 injuries and 75-100 deaths every year, according to the latest report released by the Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
One effective way to avoid or reduce accidents is to conduct a daily or pre-shift forklift safety inspection, which is an OSHA requirement. To learn more about safety checklists and downtime reduction guidelines, read our blog post on how to reduce forklift downtime.
You can find other safety-related guidelines for forklift and other material handling equipment when you visit Wholesale Industrial Parts, a one-stop shop for your high-quality forklift parts, repair parts and tires.
Forklift Safety Inspection Checklist
Here, we list the general suggestions for daily forklift inspections, which OSHA requires for all companies using this powered industrial truck. However, you should also read the specific safety checklists suggested by forklift manufacturers.
Cockpit. Make sure the warning lights and gauges are functioning properly.
Operating controls. Check horn, brakes (parking and foot), hydraulic controls and steering.
Seat. Ensure that the seat switch and seatbelt are functioning correctly.
Mast. Look for any sign of damage and foreign objects that might be stuck.
Fluids. Check brake fluids, hydraulic oil, engine oil and coolant.
Battery. If your forklift is battery-operated, make sure that it’s sufficiently charged, the terminals are clean, and there are no cracks and damages in cables and insulation.
Lift chains. Look for any sign of damage; also make sure they are well lubricated and clean.
Forks. Look for cracks and ensure that the pins are locked in.
Wheels. Look for damage and check tire pressure.
Creating A Safe Environment For The Forklift To Safely Operate
Other safety practices should complement the forklift safety inspection checklist mentioned above. As a general rule, the load should not restrict the operator’s visibility both in the forward and reverse direction.
These are the other safety protocols when using forklifts and other industrial trucks and material handling equipment.
- Operators should be able to make adequate eye contact with other people.
- Install forklift headlights if the area has dim light or the operators need to work at night.
- Install a rear-view mirror to enhance visibility.
- Use floor marking systems, forklift routes, and signs to promote not just safety but also a smoother flow of traffic.
- Follow the maximum limit of your forklift to prevent it from tipping over and causing unnecessary wear and tear or damage.
- Never use forklifts to give people lifts unless there is an extra seat fitted. Remember, these industrial trucks are designed to carry loads, not as a way to transport workers.
How Often Should Operators Inspect Their Forklift?
OSHA requires forklifts and all powered industrial trucks to be inspected at least once a day. But if they are running 24/7, the safety inspection checklist should be done every shift to ensure no mechanical issues have occurred during the previous shift.
If the forklifts are not used daily, operators should at least inspect them 3-4 times a week.
Why Use Daily Forklift Safety Checklists?
The forklift safety inspection is not just about preventing accidents and injuries but also minimizing downtime, and ultimately, improving your company’s productivity.
Additionally, you need a reliable supplier of high-quality forklift parts to ensure that your trucks operate at their best. At Wholesale Industrial Parts, we stock a wide range of replacement and repair parts for all types of industrial trucks and material handling equipment. Visit our online shop today or call us at (844) 588-8455 or fill out this form if you need help obtaining hard-to-find industrial parts.