Forklifts and aerial lifts are used in many industries, primarily to move materials. They can be used to move, raise, lower, or remove large objects or several smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers. Like all machinery, forklifts and aerial lifts can pose risks for workers if proper safety protocols are not followed. Our Forklift and Aerial Lift Safety Toolbox Talk can help you review this topic with your employees.

It is important everyone who works with or near this equipment is aware of the hazards, safe work practices, and the appropriate regulations that govern the use of forklifts and powered industrial trucks. Powered industrial truck use results in more than 100 fatalities and more than 35,000 serious injuries annually. If forklifts and other trucks are not properly maintained, or used correctly, serious injuries can occur. 

Workers involved in lift accidents risk potential electrocution, falls, broken bones, and even death. The most common hazards associated with driving or working around a forklift or aerial lift include unstable loads, poor visibility, the machine tipping over, the load being over the weight capacity, failure to account for the rear swing distance, overhead obstructions, and becoming caught between the machine and a fixed object.

Did you know OSHA requires all forklift and aerial equipment operators to have proper training and certification every three years?

  • OSHA Regulation 1910.178(l)(1)(ii) states that “prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required…”
  • OSHA Regulation 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) states that “an evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance shall be conducted at least once every three years.”
  • ANSI A92.6-2006 states that “all users of aerial platforms receive operator and safety training for those aerial platforms which are utilized at the workplace or jobsite.”

Training your employees is key to preventing worker injuries. Properly trained lift truck operators can help reduce worker injuries and lift truck downtime, limit lost-time injuries, improve driver efficiency, and minimize product damage and accidents.

RETTEW offers a full line of forklift and industrial truck training classes, as well as aerial work platform training to properly prepare your employees. Please contact Kelly Kramer, CECD, HEM, at 800.738.8395 for more information.

Additional Offerings

Safety training and consulting are only some of RETTEW’s 600+ services. Our safety team works hand in hand with engineers, scientists, project managers, and other technical experts at places such as manufacturing facilities, drill pads, and commercial construction sites. We are well respected in many industries and known for ensuring workers and equipment remain safe, which keeps your projects on track and your bottom line growing.