Warehouse Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Forklift Safety
A safety talk focused on forklift hazards, including pedestrian safety, load stability, pre-use inspection, speed control, blind spots, ramps, attachments, and safe operation.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Forklift Safety”
Key Hazards
- Pedestrians struck by forklifts or loads
- Loads falling, shifting, or blocking the operator’s view
- Tip-over from speed, turns, ramps, or elevated loads
- Blind spots around racks, doors, corners, and trailers
- Forklifts driven with defects or damaged equipment
- Unsafe operation near docks, ramps, trailers, or tight aisles
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Forklifts are useful material handling machines, but they can seriously injure workers when pedestrians, loads, visibility, or speed are not controlled.
Only trained and authorized workers should operate forklifts. Operators should follow site traffic rules and equipment procedures.
Forklifts should be inspected before use. Brakes, steering, horn, lights, forks, mast, tires, hydraulics, seat belt, backup alarm, and data plate should be checked.
Loads should be stable, within capacity, and carried low during travel. Raised loads reduce stability and increase struck-by hazards.
Operators should slow down near corners, doors, intersections, racks, trailers, pedestrians, and wet or uneven surfaces.
Pedestrians should stay out of forklift operating areas and should make eye contact or receive clear acknowledgment before crossing near a forklift.
Operators should use caution on ramps and docks. Travel direction, load position, dock edges, trailer movement, and surface condition all matter.
Safe forklift work depends on trained operators, inspected equipment, stable loads, speed control, pedestrian separation, and constant awareness of blind spots.
Safety Reminders
- Operate forklifts only if trained and authorized.
- Inspect the forklift before use.
- Keep loads stable, within capacity, and low during travel.
- Slow down near pedestrians, corners, doors, and intersections.
- Use horns and lights as needed.
- Keep pedestrians separated from forklift traffic.
- Wear seat belts and follow site traffic rules.
Ask the Crew
- Has the forklift been inspected?
- Is the load stable and within capacity?
- Are pedestrians protected from forklift movement?
- Where are the blind spots in this area?
- Are docks, ramps, and trailers controlled before use?