On busy production lines, forklifts are the main force in logistics and handling, and their operational safety is of paramount importance.

Forklift drivers also need to be vigilant about the following easily overlooked safety hazards to ensure that operations are carried out without any mistakes.

1. Carrying goods too high while working

Lifting loads too high while forklift working is extremely dangerous. When loads are raised to a certain height, they directly obstruct the driver's view, preventing them from clearly observing the road conditions ahead.

This behavior not only easily leads to collisions, but more importantly , it causes instability in the forklift's center of gravity. Forklifts are designed based on a certain balance of weight; when loads are lifted too high and are heavy, the forklift's center of gravity shifts and rises, severely compromising its stability. In situations involving bumpy roads, turns, or emergency braking, the forklift is highly likely to tip over. Therefore, when moving a forklift, the height of the load should be kept as low as possible; generally, the forks should be about 20cm above the ground to maintain a stable center of gravity and ensure safe operation.

II. Oversized cargo when driving forward.

When a forklift is carrying an excessively large load, driving forward poses a significant safety hazard. This is because large loads completely obstruct the driver's view, creating a large blind spot. The driver then struggles to observe road conditions, pedestrians, and obstacles ahead.

In such situations, if a sudden situation occurs ahead, the driver will not have time to react, which can easily lead to a collision and endanger lives. Therefore, when a forklift is loaded with large cargo, obstructing visibility, it is essential to strictly follow safety operating procedures and reverse at low speed. When reversing, the driver can observe the situation behind using the rearview mirror or with the help of a reversing camera system to clearly understand the dynamics behind the vehicle, thereby effectively avoiding accidents.

3. Forklifts travel quickly near the items being handled.

Forklifts driving at high speeds near goods being handled is another high-risk maneuver in forklift operations. The environment around the goods being handled is usually quite complex, with various debris scattered on the ground, such as packaging materials, small tools, and spare parts. When a forklift travels at high speed, the tires can easily run over this debris. Under the strong pressure of the forklift tires and the force of the rapid rotation, this debris can be flung out like bullets.

Forklifts driving at high speeds can also affect their stability. Near goods being handled, there may be uneven ground or irregularly arranged goods. At high speeds, the forklift is more likely to lose balance due to bumps or swerving to avoid obstacles, leading to tipping over or collisions with other goods or equipment, causing more serious accidents. Therefore, when driving a forklift near goods, the speed must be kept below 5 km/h, and careful operation is essential to ensure safety.

Remember, safety is not a slogan on the wall, but a practical action integrated into every operation and every inspection.

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