Did you know that forklifts are used in a wide variety of businesses? Most people tend to believe that forklifts are only essential in large warehouses, but they’re essential for retail businesses, grocery stores, and more.

Forklifts help keep businesses productive by lending a hand to employees when inventory needs to be moved in any way. As helpful as forklifts are, they can also be quite dangerous if not used properly.

To ensure you get the most out of your forklift without any error, be sure to continue reading below. Here are the top 5 safety tips to keep in mind when operating a warehouse forklift!

1. Complete an Inspection

Forklifts are machines and can have issues of their own from time to time. Because of this, you should complete an inspection each time before you operate one. Inspect the entire machine for any issues before getting onto it.

Check the machine for any signs of leaks. Ensure all the tires have the proper amount of air in them and that the oil level is correct as well. Test all of the forklift’s operations such as brake lights, turn signals, horns, and more.

You can also do a check for any other signs of damages such as cracks or breaks.

2. Stay Alert at All Times

When operating the forklift, you need to keep your safety and the safety of others around you in mind at all times. Always be alert when operating a forklift. You should know what’s around you and use your signals if pedestrians are in the area.

Take your time when operating the machine as well. The fork should be completely under the item before picking it up and should be carried low while driving with it.

3. Follow All Guidelines Given

Any guidelines given to you should be taken seriously at all times. The warehouse or building that you’re working in should have signs and floor markings for you to follow. There might be speed-limit signs, intersection signs, warning signs, direction guidelines, and even signs prohibiting forklifts in the area.

All of these signs are put in place for good reason and should be followed accordingly.

4. Understand the Dangers

The best way to keep yourself and everyone else safe while operating a forklift is to understand the dangers associated with the machine. A forklift is not a toy and unless you fully understand how dangerous they can be, you shouldn’t be operating one.

Forklift accidents happen, but how frequently? What’s the most common kind of forklift accident? How do you prevent this accident from happening to yourself?

Do some research and know the facts.

5. Take a Safety Course

The last word of advice is to take a safety course and training course for forklift operations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires everyone who operates a forklift, to be trained properly.

This means that you need to take the course before you operate the machine. This course is also a great place to gather any resources about forklifts that might be beneficial.