The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Operating a Forklift

A forklift is a powerful machine, and most incidents are not freak accidents - they come from the same handful of habits. Avoid these five and you are most of the way to a safe shift.

1. Skipping the pre-operational inspection - a two-minute check of brakes, tyres, hydraulics and controls catches faults before they become accidents.
2. Travelling with the load raised - keep the load low and the mast tilted back for stability and clear visibility.
3. Speeding and taking corners too fast - forklifts are rear-steered and tip easily; slow down, especially when turning or loaded.
4. Ignoring the load capacity and load centre - overloading or carrying a load too far from the forks is a leading cause of tip-overs.
5. Forgetting about pedestrians - use the horn at blind spots, make eye contact, and never let anyone stand under or near a raised load.

The common thread

Every one of these mistakes comes down to rushing or complacency. Assessors and supervisors are watching for safe, methodical habits - not speed. Build those habits in training and they carry through to the worksite.

A nationally recognised forklift licence from EDB Training Services teaches safe operation from the ground up, with plenty of hands-on practice.