Driving in reverse

There are situations when forklifts should be driven in reverse, including when the load is so bulky that it obstructs your vision and when driving down a ramp.

Extra care must be taken when driving in reverse, because the operator doesn’t have a constant view of the load. There is also a threat of back injury to the driver who has to strain to look over his shoulder while driving in reverse.

Fatalities have occurred when operators were unable to see clearly while operating in reverse, so OSHA offers the following tips for maintaining control of the vehicle:

* face the rear
* look in the direction of travel
* go slowly
* sound horn before moving
* stop when vision is limited or blocked, sound the horn and go slowly