Forklift Safety and Safe Operations

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the stability triangle: the three-point suspension system, how load weight and height shift the combined centre of gravity, why forklifts tip sideways, and the operating practices (slow turns, low loads, no sudden stops) that keep the centre of gravity within the stability triangle.
• Read and apply the data plate: rated capacity at load centre, maximum fork height, truck weight, and the capacity reductions caused by attachments and elevated loads that must be considered before every lift.
• Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections: walk-around visual inspection (tyres, forks, mast, chains, hydraulic leaks, structural damage), operational checks (brakes, steering, horn, lights, backup alarm), and defect reporting procedures that ensure unsafe trucks are removed from service.
• Apply safe travel techniques: appropriate speed control (walking speed in pedestrian areas), rear-steer awareness and tail swing management, grade operation (load upgrade/empty downgrade), visibility control (reverse travel with tall loads), horn use at intersections and blind spots, and mandatory seat belt usage.
• Handle loads safely: correct approach to load, fork positioning, controlled lifting (tilt back and raise slightly), safe travel height (4–6 inches off ground with mast tilted back), stacking technique (square approach, level forks, controlled placement), and smooth operation to prevent load instability and tip-over.
• Manage pedestrian interactions: continuous awareness of pedestrian zones, horn use at every intersection, stopping for pedestrians, avoiding travel toward personnel, and using eye contact and communication to prevent struck-by incidents.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Stability Triangle: physics of centre of gravity, load balance, tip-over prevention, safe operating principles
• Data Plate: rated capacity, load centre distance, fork height limits, attachment derating
• Pre-Operation Inspection: visual checks, operational testing, defect reporting, unsafe equipment removal
• Safe Travel: speed control, rear steering dynamics, grade operation, visibility, horn usage, seat belts
• Load Handling: lifting, transporting, stacking, travel height, smooth control techniques
• Pedestrian Awareness: intersections, communication, right-of-way, exclusion zones
• Dock Operations: dock plates, trailer stability, edge protection, trailer creep prevention
• Refuelling and Recharging: propane, diesel, electric battery safety, ventilation, safe procedures
• Common Operator Errors: speeding, elevated loads during travel, unsafe practices, unsafe behaviour prevention
• Tip-Over Response: stay seated, brace, lean away from impact — never jump from the truck

• No prior training required
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English; working proficiency required

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

• Forklift operators at all experience levels
• Warehouse supervisors who oversee forklift operations daily
• Dock workers who work alongside forklifts
• Manufacturing workers who operate forklifts occasionally
• New forklift operators receiving initial training
• Experienced operators needing refresher training

• Forklift Safety and Safe Operations — YOU ARE HERE (operator-focused)
• Powered Industrial Truck Safety (programme management and OSHA 1910.178 compliance)
• Managing Onsite Traffic Safely (vehicle-pedestrian management including forklifts)
• Heavy Equipment and Tools Safety (broader equipment safety)