Operating A Forklift

Operating a forklift is a complex task. Driving a forklift is unlike driving a car in important ways:

• Forklifts can weigh more than cars and operate in a more complex traffic environment. Forklift mass increases its impact. A forklift traveling at 5 miles per hour can do the damage of a car traveling at 30 miles per hour.
• Forklifts often use rear-wheel steering. The rear of the forklift swings in the opposite direction of the turn. When the forklift turns right, the rear of the forklift swings to the left. This type of driving requires specific skills that the typical car driver does not need.
• The forklift's visibility is significantly less than what a car driver experiences. Forklift drivers often drive in reverse when they are unloading materials, and the driver's front view is often impeded by a load.
• Forklifts are far more sensitive to shifts in their center of gravity and ride less smoothly than cars, which makes load stability essential.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.