1. Forklift Safety Training
for the
Sawmill Industry

2. “All Were Preventable”
Fork Lift Accidents
OSHA estimates that there are 680,400 accidents each year.
Of those reported nearly half suffered some type of injury.
Over 100 resulted in death.
“All Were Preventable”

3. Overview Operators training requirements Sawmill Lift Trucks
Forklift Engineering Principles
Basic Operating Rules
Maintenance and Pre-start Safety Inspection
Refueling Operations
Forklift Safety Rules

4. Training requirements for Operators
Employees must be trained and certified prior to operation lift trucks.
Training will be provided as formal instruction such as lectures
computer learning, videotape, or written material.
Employee must be tested on knowledge and perform practical exercises using lift truck prior to certification.

5. Sample only Forklift Drivers Evaluation
COMPANY:_________________________________________________ Make ________
Model ________
EMPLOYEE: _______________________________________________
YES NO
1. TESTING - JOB KNOWLEDGE ______ ______
2. OPERATOR DAILY INSPECTION ______ ______
3. SAFE REFUELING PROCEDURES ______ ______
4. CORRECT STARTING/STOPPING ______ ______
5. CORRECT BACKING PROCEDURES ______ ______
6. CORRECT STACKING/UNSTACKING ______ ______
7. CORRECT PARKING PROCEDURES ______ ______
8. OVERALL DRIVING OPERATION ______ ______
INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________
TRAINEE SIGNATURE: _____________________ TRAINER SIGNATURE: _____________________________
Sample only

6. Knowledge Test Sample only
COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________
NAME: ________________________________________________ DATE:___________
PLEASE CIRCLE THE CORRECT ANSWER
1. T F - Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.
2. T F When loads are raised and tilted forward, you change the center of gravity.
3. T F Arms, legs, and other body parts should extend outside the overhead guard protection only when the truck is unloaded.
4. T F The maximum weight of the load that your truck is allowed to carry is listed on the data plate.
5. T F If a load is not carried as far back on the forks as possible, some load capacity can be lost.
6. T F You can turn or stop a forklift suddenly if you are not carrying a load.
7. T F Keep the forks as low as possible when traveling with or without a load.
8. T F When traveling down a ramp or incline with a load, keep the counterweight upgraded.
9. T F When following another lift truck, leave at least 3 truck lengths to allow room for stopping.
10. T F Before entering a trailer, check to be sure that the trailer wheels have been properly chalked.

7. FORKLIFT TRAINING CERTIFICATE
Sample only
Company: _________________________________________ Date: ________
This certifies that _________________________________________ has successfully completed the forklift safety training program and is authorized to operate the power industrial
trucks/equipment listed.
Equipment authorized to operate: Training/Refresher Training Date:
_______________________________ ____________________________
Trainer: _______________________ Employee: ______________________

8. Sawmill Lift Trucks

9. Rear-end steering: rear-end swing creates
Two styles
Front-end steering: lots of maneuverability with both front and rear-end swing hazard.
Rear-end steering: rear-end swing creates
hazard situations if drivers are not properly trained.
Both have a Fulcrum point that must be understood.

10. Forklift Engineering Principles
Data plates: lets the operator know
the following information:
Make
Model
Serial number
Lift capabilities
Operators must know this information to safely operate lift trucks
“Warning” OSHA can fine $25,000 for lift trucks that do not have data plates installed.

11. Fulcrum Point: is a lift trucks center point of balance during lifting operations. The weight of the load affects the center of balance in relation to the counterweight.
Load
Counterweight
Center of balance during load lifting
(Fulcrum Point)

12. Never add additional weight to lift a load

13. Basic Operating Rules Must be re-evaluated every three years
Employees must be trained and authorized to operate each specific lift truck.
Must be re-evaluated every three years
Know controls and instrumentation.
Location, what they do, and how they work.
Operating instructions
Warnings, precautions, and hand signals used by company.
Pedestrian safety
Know the areas where pedestrians will be working
Load manipulation
Log/lumber stacking or loading of trucks.

14. Fork attachment operation and use limitation.
Basic Operating Rules
(continued)
Know the terrain or environment that lift truck(s) will be driven
Fork attachment operation and use limitation.
Drive in reverse if view is obstructed.
Always scan ahead to watch for pedestrians and blind spots
No horseplay, speeding or stunt driving allowed.

15. Operating speed
Should equal your average walking speed or about 5 MPH.

16. No riders
One seat means only one person allowed on lift while moving.

17. Seat Belts
Seat belts are required to be worn during all operations.

18. Forks and Grapples
The rule to remember is to drive with the fork/grapples as low as possible.
If someone were accidentally struck lift forks, it is much less lift threatening to be hit
around the ankles than in the abdomen.

19. Rear-end swing hazard
Operators must be responsible for pedestrians and objects
in their work area at all times.

20. If more than 25 feet away from lift it must be turned off.
Parking Lift Trucks
(three rules)
Forks on the ground
Brake set
If more than 25 feet away from lift it must be turned off.

21. Pedestrians
Never allow anyone to walk under a load.

22. Lift platforms Must be positioned secure to mast.
missing 7-foot
vertical guard
Must be positioned secure to mast.
42” hand rails with mid-rails.
7-foot vertical
guard between
individual and
mast.
Lift operator must remain at control at all times during lift operation.

23. Maintenance and Pre-start Inspection
OSHA requires powered industrial trucks to have a documented
pre-start inspection prior to each shift.

24. Some of the items to inspect:
Check forks for cracks
Tires and lug nuts
Engine
fluids

25. Design a inspection checklist to fit your company requirements.
(continued)
Cab interior
Hydraulic lines
Other areas:
Note:
Battery
Lights
Brakes
Instruments
Fire extinguishers
Visible damage
Design a inspection checklist
to fit your company requirements.

26. Refueling Operations Make sure lift is properly parked and brakes on.
Park at a safe refueling distance from pump.
Wear personal protective equipment, if required.
No one allowed in refueling
area.
Never overflow fuel tank.

27. Forklift Safety Rules
Sample only
Use the correct lift for the job.
Only trained and authorized employees are allowed to operate lift trucks.
Complete a daily pre-start inspection.
Do not park lift trucks in front of fire exits, isles, fire extinguishers, or electrical boxes.
No passengers are allowed on lift trucks.
Do not allow anyone to walk under raised forks whether loaded or empty.
Stop and sound horn at all entrances and exit of buildings.
Chock the rear trailer wheels when loading or unloading trailers at a loading dock.
Do not park lift trucks on a grade.
Do not raise or tilt the forks while driving.
Drive with the forks raised only high enough to clear obstacles, preferably inches.
Wear of seat belts is mandatory.
No smoking during refueling operations.
Drive at the speed of normal walking, usually 5 MPH.

28. Forklift Safety
is the drivers
Responsibility !!