For businesses across the North of England, Premier Lift Trucks in Blackburn provides not only top-quality lift trucks but also expertise in safety and best practice. Prioritising safe forklift operations is more than compliance — it’s a moral and financial necessity. In this article, we explain the most common accidents and how to avoid them.
A split-second lapse in observation can spell disaster. Operators who fail to perform proper all-around checks risk colliding with pedestrians, debris, or other vehicles. Too often, this negligence arises from routine — a false sense of security built on familiarity.
Managers should reinforce that every movement begins with complete 360-degree awareness. Observation isn’t a box to tick; it’s a life-saving habit. Supervisors must monitor regularly and correct unsafe shortcuts before they solidify into dangerous habits.
Uneven weight distribution, insecure stacking, or exceeding load capacity all destabilise the truck. What begins as a small misjudgment can escalate into a tip-over, damaging goods and endangering lives.
Encourage operators to move methodically — turn, then lift; lift, then turn. Supervisors must ensure compliance with loading procedures and intervene early when unsafe patterns appear. Ongoing refresher training helps reinforce these principles.
Read More: What is Lifting Capacity on a Forklift?
Pedestrians and moving forklifts are a hazardous combination. Whether it’s a warehouse worker or a visiting driver, stepping into a forklift zone can be fatal. Even attempting to “help” by steadying a load is perilous.
Create physical barriers and clearly marked walkways wherever possible. Where separation isn’t feasible, use reinforced Safe Systems of Work. Communicate these protocols to all personnel — employees, contractors, and visitors alike.
A high or bulky load can completely block an operator’s line of sight. The result? Collisions with racking, walls, or unsuspecting pedestrians.
When visibility is compromised, operators should either travel in reverse or enlist a trained banksman to guide them. Modern technology, such as camera systems and proximity sensors, can also enhance spatial awareness.
Seatbelts aren’t an inconvenience — they’re a lifeline. In a tip-over, the belt keeps the operator safely inside the cab. Without it, instinct often drives them to jump — a reflex that can end in crushing injuries.
Make seatbelt use mandatory through clear policies and signage. Regular supervision and refresher sessions will reinforce compliance. Safety culture grows from visible leadership and consistent messaging.
Improvisation has no place in forklift operations. Using a pallet as a makeshift platform or employing the wrong attachment can cause severe accidents. Even pushing loads with forks rather than lifting them is dangerous.
Every task demands the proper equipment. Managers should provide purpose-built attachments and ensure staff are trained to use them correctly. Proper tools protect both people and products.
If your business needs a specific piece of equipment for a short time, use the Premier Lift Truck forklift hire service for as little as one day!
Tight deadlines often tempt operators to cut corners and accelerate through tasks. Yet excessive speed increases stopping distance and destabilises the truck, raising the likelihood of collisions or tip-overs.
Speed limits must be visibly posted and strictly enforced. Supervisors should lead by example, rewarding adherence and swiftly correcting reckless behaviour. Safe efficiency always outweighs reckless haste.
Operators may dismount dozens of times daily, and repetition breeds carelessness. Jumping from the cab seems quicker but risks slips, falls, or even being struck by another vehicle.
Every operator should maintain three points of contact — two hands and one foot, or vice versa — when entering or exiting the truck. This simple discipline drastically reduces accidents from falls.
A forklift that isn’t inspected daily is a ticking time bomb. Undetected faults can cause hydraulic failures, brake issues, or steering malfunctions mid-operation — with devastating consequences.
Operators should conduct pre-use inspections as second nature. Managers must verify that checks are logged and any defects reported immediately. Prevention is always cheaper — and safer — than repair.
Use the Premier Lift Truck forklift servicing and repair service to ensure your truck is properly maintained.
Even a skilled operator can lose control on uneven or unstable terrain. Hidden potholes, debris, or oil spills can cause load instability and tip-overs in seconds.
Before moving off, operators should visually assess their route. Clearing debris, marking hazards, and selecting suitable equipment for the surface all help prevent mishaps.
Forklift safety isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment that thrives on vigilance, training, and leadership. By addressing these ten common causes of accidents, workplaces can dramatically reduce risks and foster a culture where safety comes first.
For businesses in the North of England seeking reliable equipment and expert advice, Premier Lift Trucks in Blackburn is a trusted partner. Our experience in providing lift trucks in Bolton, Manchester, Leeds, and beyond and promoting safe operating standards ensures that your workplace runs smoothly — and safely.
Contact Premier Lift Trucks today to discuss your fleet requirements or to arrange a forklift safety consultation. Protect your people, preserve your productivity, and lift your standards higher.
