Forklifts play a crucial role in warehouses and distribution centers — helping keep goods moving and heavy lifting seem effortless. They also, however, demand skill and awareness. Whether you’re new to forklift operation or refreshing your knowledge, understanding how to handle this powerful equipment safely is essential to preventing accidents and staying OSHA-compliant.
A few key points every beginner should know about operating a forklift safely and confidently include:
1) Pre-Operation Inspectiong and Preparation
Every safe forklift operation begins long before the engine starts. Before getting on, walk around the forklift and check for leaks, worn tires, or damage. Test your brakes, horn, and lights. Look at the forks — they should be straight, secure, and spaced evenly for the type of pallet you’ll handle. A quick inspection can prevent hours of downtime and serious injuries.
When you’re ready to mount, use the steps and handholds designed for stability. Never jump on or off your equipment. Next, adjust your seat, fasten your seatbelt, and make sure you have a clear view of your surroundings before turning the key on.
2) Starting Up and Moving
With your seatbelt on and parking brake engaged, start the forklift and lift the forks just a few inches off the ground. Tilt the mast slightly back for balance — this helps keep your load stable once you begin moving. As you drive, keep your load low to the ground and your speed moderate. Forklifts are designed for control, not speed — so as they say, slow and steady always wins the race in a warehouse.
Stay alert for pedestrians, blind corners, and other vehicles. Accordingly, when entering an intersection or tight space, sound your horn.
3) Turning and Maneuvering Safely
Turning a forklift isn’t quite like driving a car. Since forklifts generally steer from the rear, the back end swings wide. Therefore, take your corners very slowly and watch for clearance on both sides.
When going in reverse, turn your head in the direction of travel instead of relying only on mirrors. If your load blocks your view, it’s often safer to drive in reverse than forward. Communication and patience are your best safety tools here.
4) Loading and Transporting Materials
Approach pallets squarely and center your forks before lifting. Slide the forks all the way underneath the load and lift it only as high as needed for travel. To stabilize your load while moving, keep it tilted slightly backward and never exceed the forklift’s load capacity (the load capacity is printed on the data plate).
While transporting, keep your load low to the ground for better balance and visibility. When going uphill, drive with the load facing uphill; however, when going downhill, keep the load on the uphill side.
5) Unloading and Parking
To unload, stop a short distance from the destination and carefully lower the load into place. Back away slowly before lowering your forks fully to the floor. When parking, choose a flat surface, lower the forks completely, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Always remove the key when you’re done to prevent unauthorized use.
6) Safety Never Stops
Forklift safety isn’t just a one-time lesson — it’s an everyday habit. Avoid sudden starts, stops, or sharp turns, and never raise or lower the mast while the forklift is moving. The best operators combine technical skill with focus and calmness, even when the warehouse is busy.
Learning how to operate a forklift safely takes time, training, and practice. But once you master the fundamentals, you’ll have a skill that’s always in demand — and a safer workplace because of it.
If you’re ready to get certified and start your forklift career the right way, enroll in our OSHA-approved forklift training program today. You’ll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to operate safely in any environment. Contact us today!