Forklift and Telehandler Safety

Why it matters

A loaded telehandler weighs as much as ten pickup trucks and steers from the rear, which means the back end swings wider than instinct says. Rollovers and struck-by incidents around rough-terrain forklifts are among the deadliest events on job sites, and operator certification is not optional.

Hazards

• ⚠ Rollovers on slopes, turns, and uneven ground
• ⚠ Rear-end swing striking workers during turns
• ⚠ Loads shifting or falling from forks
• ⚠ Elevated loads moved with the boom up
• ⚠ Riders on forks or platforms not designed for people

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Only trained and certified operators, per 1910.178(l). Certification is machine-specific.
• ✓ Seatbelt on, always. In a tip-over, staying in the cab is what saves you.
• ✓ Travel with the load low and tilted back; drive in reverse when the load blocks view.
• ✓ Know the load chart. Capacity drops fast as the boom extends.
• ✓ No riders, ever, except in a manufacturer-approved work platform with proper attachment.
• ✓ Keep ground personnel out of the turn radius; use a spotter in congested areas.

Crew discussion questions

1. Who is certified on the machines we have on site right now?
2. What is today’s worst ground condition for the forklift route?
3. Which lifts today are near the capacity limit at reach?
4. Where do people on foot cross the forklift path?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1910.178, 29 CFR 1926.602

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