Getting too close for comfort!
Three truck lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you is usually a safe distance!

Not looking where you're going!
Face the direction in which you are headed at all times! You already know where you've been!

Practicing for the Indy 500!
Never exceed company designated speed limits! Don't take chances with fancy stunt driving or horseplay!

Daydreaming on the job!
Keep your mind on what you're doing! Get plenty of sleep and exercise and eat right so you'll be in top condition to operate your forklift!

Running over other workers!
Use your horn to warn others of your approach! If you cannot see around a corner, proceed cautiously and come to a complete stop before going through a doorway into another area!

Running into inanimate objects!
Watch out for obstacles in your pathway! Be sure nothing will hinder you when raising or lowering a load!

Backing up without looking!
Don't assume the coast is clear! Check it out! Never "push" heavy loads!

Letting' it all hang out!
Your entire body should remain safely within the operator's compartment at all times! Also, protect yourself by never reaching between the mast arms to turn off the key or move the forks!

Declining on the incline!
On an incline, always drive with the load on upgrade! Since stopping can be more difficult, proceed slowly with extreme care!

Biting off more than you can chew!
Learn the load capacity of your forklift and don't exceed it!
Too heavy a load will lessen your driving control, damage the equipment and could send you somersaulting!

Over-estimating your foundation!
Regardless of how much weight your forklift can handle, be sure the surface you are driving on can handle the weight of your load and your forklift, too!

Being unbalanced!
Make sure your load rests against the carriage and that the truck mast is tilted backward to secure the load. Slowly raising and lowering loads will help avoid sudden, jerking movements!

Not working with a full fork!
Be sure the forks are all the way into the load to insure proper balance. Never lift with only one fork and adjust forks to the width of the load!

By not being properly trained!
Never get onto a lift truck without proper instructions from your supervisor. OSHA requires that a lift truck operator receive formal instruction, practical training and that their performance be evaluated in the workplace. This means YOU!

Picking up hitch-hikers!
Your forklift is a one-person ride! Don't give anyone a lift or lift anyone!

Being under-dressed!
Looking "cool" is not a major part of your job description!
Wear the proper personal protective apparel for safety's sake!

Not using proper parking procedures!
When parking always: lower forks to flat on the ground, shut off the power, set the parking brake and put gear into neutral. On an incline, always chock the wheels to prevent rolling!

Being in the wrong place at the wrong time!
Never stand or move under elevated forks!

Not taking time for proper maintenance!
Before starting operation is the time to see if your forklift is in safe operating condition! Develop a checklist to cover all the bases and report any short-comings to your supervisor. All moving parts should be checked every day, plus the water, oil, brakes, tires, lights, steering and horn!

Running on empty!
Use designated fueling locations. Read and heed all posted instructions!