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Forklifts, also known as powered industrial trucks, are used in numerous work settings, primarily to move materials. Each year in the United States, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents [BLS 1997, 1998].

Forklift overturns are the leading cause of fatalities involving forklifts; they represent about 25% of all forklift-related deaths Reducing the risk of forklift incidents requires a safe work environment, a safe forklift, comprehensive worker training, safe work practices, and systematic traffic management.

NIOSH recommends that employers and workers comply with OSHA regulations and consensus standards, maintain equipment, and take the following measures to prevent injury when operating or working near forklifts.

In this class the student will learn to:

• • Recognize hazards associated with forklift traffic and pedestrian workers

  • Assess workplaces for blind spots and danger potential

  • Understand the limitations and characteristics of forklifts

  • Respect the space forklifts need to operate and the reason for dedicated walk-ways

Topics covered in this training include

• • Situational awareness to avoid moving equipment

  • Forklift characteristics

  • Maintaining walkways and forklift lanes

  • Lifting and moving materials handling

  • Personal commitment to become more aware of forklifts in the workplace

  • Reporting forklift operations that are hazardous

This is not a forklift operator’s class.   No certification for operation is issued.