Understanding hazards and safety protocols for lift trucks in warehouses and manufacturing plants

Lift truck design hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s likely because the design, while quite simple, is effective and efficient. When operated properly, lift trucks are also very safe.

Lift Truck Hazards in the Workplace

Lift trucks are most popular in manufacturing plants and warehouses; however, their use is not limited to these industries. Lift trucks are used to lift, move, and place, heavy loads and products on skids. Like any workplace process or equipment, there will always be hazards associated with the lift truck use. Some hazards include:

Struck-by hazards affecting pedestrians who are struck by either the lift truck itself or the product/load the lift truck is carrying
Tip hazards affecting the operator who may become trapped beneath the lift truck or a pedestrian becoming trapped under a lift truck that’s tipped over
Propane handling hazards associated with improper handling of propane fuel sources
Hazards resulting from improper maintenance
People hazards resulting from operator stress, fatigue, or lack of training
Load hazards that may result in a worker being crushed by a falling load, or damage/loss of the load

It is important to keep accurate training records to ensure that all competent operators stay up to date on their training and certifications

Top 5 Tips for Lift Truck Safety in the Workplace

When it comes to using lift trucks in the workplace, the benefits outweigh the risks. To mitigate the risk of using lift trucks in your organization, consider MidSouthWest Training and Consulting’s top five tips for lift truck safety in the workplace.

Tip 1: Know the Law

According to O.Reg 851, S. 51(2)(a)(i), lift truck operators must be competent under the law to operate lift trucks in the workplace. Competence is not just a matter of opinion when it comes to health and safety law. Competent lift truck operators must be familiar with the legislation around lift truck use.

Tip 2: Consider your Surroundings

Lift truck operators must observe their surroundings before and during lift truck operations. They should be looking for everything and anything, from uneven surfaces, spills, pedestrian traffic, loading dock drop-offs, and racking conditions to ensure that the lift truck is being operated in a safe environment. Operators should be cognizant of sudden changes to the environment as well, and able to quickly adapt to ensure safe operations at all times.

Tip 3: Maintain the Equipment

Section 25 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act) makes employers responsible for keeping equipment in safe working order. Well maintained equipment will operate safely and predictably.

Tip 4: Conduct Inspections

Section 51 of O.Reg 851 outlines specific requirements for the regular inspection of lift trucks. Lift trucks must be inspected regularly so that deficiencies can be identified before using the equipment. Regular inspections should be documented so that employers can show due diligence in the case of a workplace accident involving a lift truck.

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Tip 5: Training

Training is a key aspect of safe lift truck operation. The Act requires competent operators to have "knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and its performance.” It is important to keep accurate training records to ensure that all competent operators stay up to date on their training and certifications. It is best practice to take theory training and pass a lift truck practical evaluation every three years to keep operating skills sharp, stay on top of legislative changes, and show due diligence.

When it comes to using lift trucks in the workplace,
the benefits outweigh the risks

Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting

MidSouthWest Training and Consulting provides in-house and on-site lift truck training courses. We also have an online safe operation of a lift truck theory course. We perform on-site practical evaluations as well. You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs.

To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.

Last updated January 20, 2021