Forklift Safety
Transportation | 15-20 min
Summary
Forklifts cause approximately 85 deaths and 34,900 serious injuries each year in the United States, making powered industrial truck safety a critical workplace concern. A forklift can weigh as much as a loaded semi-truck despite its compact size, and the combination of heavy weight, elevated loads, and limited visibility creates unique hazards. OSHA estimates that proper training could prevent 70% of forklift accidents, yet many operators receive inadequate instruction before being assigned to operate these powerful machines.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Only trained and authorized operators may drive forklifts
- Conduct pre-operation inspections daily
- Never exceed load capacity
- Watch for pedestrians and sound horn at intersections
- Never allow riders on forklifts
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 15-20 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.