Forklift Safety Course Overview
A forklift is a powerful tool that enables a single operator to lift and move heavy loads with precision and minimal effort. Using equipment such as forklifts, carts, or hand trucks instead of manually lifting and carrying materials can significantly reduce the risk of back injuries.
Forklift incidents are serious: nearly 100 workers are killed and approximately 20,000 are seriously injured each year. This course provides general guidance on:
- Common types of forklifts
- The principles of physics that enable safe lifting and movement of heavy loads
- OSHA forklift operator training requirements
- Basic forklift safety rules
- Hazardous locations, including areas with carbon monoxide, requiring specialized forklifts
- Safety practices when servicing a forklift
This course is intended as general information and does not replace hands-on operator training for specific forklift models. Competent trainers should provide training on particular forklifts, including opportunities for employees to practice, demonstrate skills, and be evaluated to certify they have gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). The course aligns with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910 Subpart N – 1910.178, Materials Handling and Storage.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Identify common types of forklift-related injuries. |
| LO 1.1.2 | List and describe key forklift safety features. |
| LO 1.1.3 | Explain and provide examples of the four basic principles of lifting loads with a forklift. |
| LO 1.1.4 | Describe the criteria for a “safe lift” and provide an example using a forklift. |
| LO 1.1.5 | Explain circumstances that may cause a forklift lift to become unstable, with examples. |
| LO 1.1.6 | Describe best practices for ascending and descending inclines with a forklift. |
| LO 1.1.7 | Identify different forklift power sources and describe their use. |
| LO 1.1.8 | Identify special forklift attachments and explain their impact on capacity and safe operation. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Recognize hazardous workplace conditions and factors to consider when operating a forklift. |
| LO 1.2.2 | Describe the items to check during a forklift pre-use inspection and key questions to ask. |
| LO 1.2.3 | Discuss precautions and best practices while traveling in a forklift. |
| LO 1.2.4 | Describe procedures for safely loading, unloading, and leaving a forklift unattended. |
| LO 1.2.5 | Explain the requirements and restrictions for lifting or lowering personnel with a forklift. |
| LO 1.2.6 | Describe requirements and best practices for establishing and using forklift traffic patterns. |
Key: TO = Terminal Objective, LO = Learning Objective