Work Environment Risks

In addition to understanding the risks of the vehicle itself, operators must understand how the forklift interacts with its environment, including the layout of the facility, facility rules of operation, pedestrian safety measures, and how to communicate with others while operating a forklift. Common risks in all work environments include the following:

• Pedestrians, including follow employees and visitors
• Blind spots
• Obstacles
• Space limitations
• Docks and trailers
• Floors and surfaces

Forklift operators must know how to do the following:

• Avoid tip-overs
• Know the load capacity
• Be well educated in the use of accessories
• Properly load a forklift
• Travel with the forklift

A forklifts center of gravity lies in the center of the triangle, as shown in this image.

Indoor and outdoor environmental conditions can change when you are operating a forklift. For example, if you are outdoors it may start to rain. You must always be aware of changing indoor and outdoor working conditions, including in the following circumstances:

• Operating on compromised surfaces (rain, slippery materials, gravel)
• Working in areas with poor light or an abundance of shadows
• Working in places where unexpected materials may be present
• Crossing uneven surfaces, such as railroad tracks
• Crossing potentially unstable surfaces, such as ramps or work floors with openings and pits
• Operating in an area without good ventilation, especially when operating a combustible fuel-operated forklift that emits carbon monoxide
• Operating near combustible or flammable materials

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.