Two key training issues

Logistics Management magazine says forklift-safety training programs should cover OSHA rules and regulations; basic operating principles affecting stability; the equipment's capabilities, limitations, and fueling/charging procedures; and how to conduct a daily safety inspection.

The two areas that require special attention are:

Vehicle stability. Loads should be carried only as high as is necessary to clear floor or ramp surfaces. Operators should keep the masts [down] in the 'traveling position' at all times. Stability is particularly important when driving on ramps because grades can affect the vehicle's balance. When driving up a ramp, always drive with the load first. When driving down a ramp, always back down.

Pedestrian traffic. Common sense might suggest that horns and alarms would enhance pedestrian safety when a forklift is in motion. But research doesn't necessarily bear this out. "We found no scientific evidence that alarms did or would reduce forklift-pedestrian impact accidents," says Marvin Welch, NACCO Material Handling Group’s vice president, risk management, in response to a study the company conducted.
The reason that is true is that employees get too used to hearing horns and back-up alarms. Operators should use horns intermittently, so that pedestrians pay more attention to them. The first line of defense, though, is very low-tech: Operators should always make eye contact with every pedestrian before proceeding forward or in reverse.