Purpose:

The purpose of this safety program is to establish guidelines for the safe use of industrial trucks, including forklifts and motorized hand trucks, in order to prevent injuries and property damage.

Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of all employees who operate or work around industrial trucks to adhere to the guidelines set forth in this safety program. The company will provide training to all employees who operate industrial trucks.

Training:

Employees who operate industrial trucks will receive training on the following:

• The safe operation of industrial trucks
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Inspection and maintenance of industrial trucks
• Hazards associated with industrial trucks, including tipping, collisions, and falling loads
• Safe loading and unloading of industrial trucks
• Pedestrian safety around industrial trucks

Safe Operation of Industrial Trucks:

Employees who operate industrial trucks must follow these guidelines:

• Only authorized employees may operate industrial trucks
• Before starting an industrial truck, the operator must inspect it for damage and proper functioning of all safety features
• The load capacity of the industrial truck must not be exceeded
• Industrial trucks must not be driven with loads elevated, except to allow travel over uneven surfaces
• Employees must not ride on the forks or pallets of industrial trucks
• The operator must maintain a clear view of the path of travel and must honk the horn at intersections and blind corners
• Industrial trucks must not be parked in areas where they may create a hazard
• When an industrial truck is not in use, the operator must remove the key and apply the brake

Personal Protective Equipment:

Employees who work around industrial trucks must wear the following PPE:

• Hard hat
• Steel-toed shoes or boots
• Safety glasses or goggles
• High-visibility vest or shirt

Inspection and Maintenance:

Industrial trucks must be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer specifications and company procedures. Defective equipment must be removed from service until it is repaired or replaced.

Hazards:

Employees who operate or work around industrial trucks must be aware of the following hazards:

• Tipovers due to uneven surfaces or overloading
• Collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles
• Falling loads due to improper loading or handling
• Pinching or crushing injuries due to the movement of the industrial truck

Loading and Unloading:

Employees who load or unload industrial trucks must follow these guidelines:

• The load must be balanced and secured to prevent shifting during transport
• The load must not exceed the load capacity of the industrial truck
• The load must be placed as close to the mast as possible for better stability

Pedestrian Safety:

Employees who work around industrial trucks must follow these guidelines:

• Pedestrians must maintain a safe distance from operating industrial trucks
• Pedestrians must not walk under raised forks or loads
• Pedestrians must be aware of the audible warning devices of industrial trucks

Accident Reporting:

All accidents involving industrial trucks must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and corrective action will be taken to prevent future accidents.

Revision:

This safety program will be reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure its effectiveness. All employees will be notified of any changes to the safety program.

This safety program is not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather a guideline for the safe use of industrial trucks. Employees must use good judgment and take all necessary precautions to prevent injuries and property damage.

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