Safe Forklift Operation in California
Course Description:
Operating a forklift is a big responsibility, and it’s one that requires you to pay attention to safety at all times. Forklifts are useful for handling heavy materials but remember that they are powerful machines that can be extremely dangerous if operated incorrectly.
This course is designed to help you become a better and safer forklift operator. If you’re an experienced operator, this course may remind you of safe habits and work practices that you might have forgotten. If you’re a new operator, this course will describe the operating practices you need to follow to be a safe operator. If you are an experienced operator but are new to the state of California, this course should alert you to some new practices not required elsewhere.
This session covers the basic concepts of operating a forklift safely and prepares you for hands-on operator training. CAL/OSHA has strict requirements on all manners of operation and equipment, which we will discuss in general throughout this training session.
Why “Safe Forklift Operation in California” Matters:
At the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- Describe how a forklift operates
- Demonstrate the basic principles of safely operating a forklift
- Identify the hazards of operating a forklift in the workplace
- Properly inspect and maintain a forklift; and
- Follow Cal/OSHA’s required safety procedures to reduce the risk of forklift accidents
Key Points:
- Know the main hazards of forklifts, which include pedestrians, environmental conditions in the workplace, and loading and unloading.
- Position loads as close as possible to the vertical backrest. Remember what you learned about the center of gravity of a load and the “stability triangle.”
- Always conduct and document a preoperational inspection before operating a forklift.
- Always follow the safe operating “rules of the road.”
- Refuel or recharge your forklift in properly ventilated areas, following all safety rules and wearing proper perrsonal protective equipment (PPE).
- And lastly, know your workplace’s forklift operation safety rules and understand your state’s requirements. California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) performs regular inspections and enforces its rules with fines and shutdowns if the safety rules are not followed.
