---
title: OSHA Forklift Safety Rules
description: Understanding OSHA's forklift safety rules can help keep employees safe and prevent serious accidents from happening.
---

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# [OSHA Forklift Safety Rules](https://www.mccue.com/blog/osha-forklift-safety-rules)

 Written by [Admin](https://www.mccue.com/blog/author/admin) | Sep 5, 2018 4:00:00 AM

Why are **forklift safety rules** critical for the warehousing industry? [Forklifts cause 85 deaths and 34,900 serious injuries](https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=13456) every year. And the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) says that up 25% result from inadequate training. Always make sure your forklift operators know these important guidelines before handing over the keys.

There are numerous dangers associated with forklifts that pose a potential threat to warehouse workers. Here are [eight common forklift hazards](https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/operations/maneuvering.html) and tips for mitigating them, according to OSHA.

## **Forklift Hazards and Safety Tips**

1. ** Getting in and out of the vehicle –**It’s easy for forklift operators to fall or hit their head on the cage when they are entering or exiting. Important rules to remember include:

- Checking your shoes for any slippery substances before mounting or dismounting
- Making sure you have a firm grip and solid footing
- Wearing the appropriate shoes

1. ** Starting and Stopping****–**Starting and stopping a forklift can potentially harm the driver and pedestrians if the driver is not careful. Important rules to remember include:

- Making sure your path is clear before starting the forklift and honk the horn to warn any nearby pedestrians
- Driving slowly and watch for blind spots
- Not slamming on the brakes
- Always using the parking brake
- Chocking wheels when you park on an incline

1. ** Driving****–**Driving too fast can lead to collisions and cause the vehicle to tip over. Rules to remember include:

- Not speeding—follow all signs and regulations
- Never carrying passengers
- Keeping extremities inside the vehicle at all times
- Driving slowly on wet floors
- Honking the horn before proceeding when visibility is limited
- Avoiding running over loose objects

1. ** Steering and turning****–**Steering and turning can cause the forklift to tip over. Important rules to remember include:

- Fully stopping before changing directions—allow plenty of room for pedestrians
- Looking behind you when driving in reverse
- Slowing down when you turn
- Not turning with raised forks
- Not turning on a grade

1. ** Driving on inclines****–**Driving on an incline requires extra caution. Important rules to remember include:

- Forks should always point up the grade—drive in reverse on a downgrade
- Always facing the direction you are traveling
- Not turning the forklift on a grade

1. ** Parking –**An improperly parked forklift runs the risk of being hit or rolling into pedestrians or objects. Important rules to remember include:

- Always parking on a level surface and in authorized areas
- Always using the parking brake
- Always removing the key from the ignition
- Not jumping off of the forklift after parking

1. ** Visibility****–**Visibility issues can also cause dangerous accidents. Important rules to remember include:

- Equipping forklifts with headlights, mirrors and other visual aids
- Not driving near the edge of loading docks and other drop-offs.
- Ensuring any dangerous areas are clearly marked and blocked by physical barriers or guardrails

1. ** Tipping over –**A forklift tipping over has the potential to crush employees. 42% of all forklift fatalities are caused by the vehicle tipping over and crushing someone. In the event a forklift you are driving tips over:

- Stay in the forklift and hold on to the steering wheel
- Brace your feet and lean forward
- Lean away from the side of impact

 

**For more information on warehouse and forklift safety, check out **[**our blog**](https://blog.mccue.com/?hsLang=en-us)**. And to learn more about how our asset protection products can help you prevent warehouse accidents, **[**contact us**](https://www.mccue.com/contact-us?hsLang=en-us)** today. **

 

 

———-

Sources:

*OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=13456*

*OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/operations/maneuvering.html*

 

[View full post](https://www.mccue.com/blog/osha-forklift-safety-rules)

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