It’s #Safetember! the National Forklift Safety Month

Safetember is an annual month-long safety campaign pioneered by the FLTA, focusing on the operational safety of forklift trucks. It runs through the whole month of September and aims to shine a light onto the 1300 accidents per year that could potentially be avoided.

Whether you drive a forklift, work alongside forklift trucks or are in a position to review health and safety, it’s vitally important to understand how to keep yourself and others safe. We’ve compiled this list of health and safety tips as a quick guide to give you a heads up on basic forklift safety:

• Only take on tasks if you are qualified, trained and authorized to complete them.
• NEVER drive a forklift under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•  If your operating on a public highway ensure you have all the relevant requirements: driving licence, road tax, insurance etc.

• Always complete the recommended pre-use checks, reporting any problems and taking the truck out of action if required.
• Do not carry out unauthorized repairs or modifications to the truck.
• NEVER lift more than the trucks rated capacity.

• Never turn corners at high speeds.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
•  Obey signposted rules such as “no smoking” and “no naked flames”.
• Do not leave keys unattended in trucks.
• Use caution on uneven and slippery surfaces.
•  Always keep an eye out for potential hazards.

• Never presume that pedestrians will stop for you.
• Always comply with the site rules, speed limits and traffic controls.
• Do not pick up a load if there is anybody standing nearby.
• Don’t ever carry passengers on a forklift.

• Always ensure your loads are supported securely and evenly.
• Do not lift loads on damaged pallets.
• Always be extra cautious when unloading trailers, stacking pallets or handling round objects.
• Never let anyone walk under the raised load.

•  Don’t go near an operating forklift unless you absolutely have to.
• Always Use available pedestrian routes and pathways.
• Never approach forklift trucks from behind.
• Keep clear of refuelling bays and battery changing areas.

• Only approach a forklift when you’re sure the driver has seen you, even then proceed with caution.
• Always keep within the operators’ line of sight.
• Wear high visibility clothing.

• Pay attention to flashing lights and reversing alarms.
• Switch off music devices when working near forklifts.
• Don’t use mobile phones in operating areas.
• Obey all “PPE” and “no smoking” signs.

• Only use equipment that you are trained and authorized to use.
• Don’t even touch a forklift truck without the appropriate training.
• Request training before operating any new equipment.

• Never ask for or accept a lift on a forklift truck.
• Never sit on the forklifts load.
• Never ask to be lifted up on the forks, a pallet, or other improvised device.