Drive Safe, Stay Safe: Forklift Pre-Operational Mastery
Operating a forklift is not a minor task, many businesses depend on it and safety should always be given top priority. One of the simplest ways to ensure everyone stays safe is by performing a pre-operational inspection before starting your day. Let’s dive into what that means and why it’s so important.
Participants are Inspecting the forklift condition before driving
What’s a Pre-Operational Inspection?
Think of a pre-operational inspection as a quick “health check” for your forklift. It’s your chance to catch potential problems before they turn into big issues. This check has two parts:
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Visual Check: Spot anything that looks off.
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Operational Check: Make sure everything is running smoothly.
Here’s a breakdown of what to do:
🔍 Visual Check:
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Take a good look at the forklift. Are there any cracks in the frame? Do the tires look damaged?
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Check for leaks—oil or any other fluids pooling around the forklift are red flags.
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Inspect the forks. Are they straight and free of cracks?
🔧 Operational Check:
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Test the brakes—do they feel solid and responsive?
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Check the horn and lights. If these aren’t working, it’s a safety hazard waiting to happen.
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Take a quick peek at the battery. Is it clean and fully charged?
This doesn’t take long, but it can make a huge difference. By catching issues early, you’re keeping yourself and your team safe and avoiding unexpected downtime.
Our trainer explaining the steps for a forklift inspection to ensure the forklift is safe to operate.
Why Bother with a Pre-Operational Inspection?
Some people might think, “Do I really need to do this every day?” The answer is absolutely yes.
Here’s why:
🛡️ It Prevents Accidents: A quick inspection can uncover potential problems that could lead to accidents. Better safe than sorry!
🔧 It Extends the Forklift’s Life: Taking care of small issues now helps avoid bigger, more expensive repairs later.
📈 It Keeps Things Running Smoothly: No surprises mean no interruptions. When your forklift is in top shape, your workflow stays on track.
Participants are practicing pre-operational checks during a hands-on training session, building confidence and safety awareness.
Invest in Your Safety
At Emagine Edu Consultancy, we believe that safety is everyone’s responsibility—and we’re here to help you stay prepared. Our forklift safety training includes hands-on sessions that teach you everything from pre-operational inspections to safe driving techniques. Plus, our courses are HRD Corp claimable, so your team can learn without breaking the budget.
A group photo celebrating the successful completion of a forklift safety training session—because teamwork and safety go hand in hand.
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Taking a few minutes to inspect your forklift each day might seem small, but it’s a giant step toward a safer workplace. Let’s work together to make every shift safe and productive.