FORKLIFT SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Control overturning, collision and dropped-load hazards.
Hazards, safe driving practices and daily pre-work verification.
Toolbox Topic
FORKLIFT SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Review forklift hazards including overturning, collisions, dropped loads, blind spots and pedestrian safety while applying safe operating practices.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Only trained and authorised operators may operate forklifts. Complete daily inspections before use.
Carry loads low, stable and within rated capacity. Use reverse travel or a spotter when the load blocks visibility.
Wear the seat belt, obey site speed limits and always give way to pedestrians.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
An operator travelled forward with a load blocking visibility.
A pedestrian entered the intersection and the operator braked suddenly, causing the load to shift.
The incident could have been prevented through reverse travel, a spotter and correct load positioning.
REMEMBER
A forklift is a material handling vehicle, not a personnel carrier.
KEY HAZARDS
Overturning
Dropped loads
Blind spots
Pedestrian collisions
Overloading
Excessive speed
No seat belt
Unauthorised operators
CONTROL MEASURES
Complete the daily inspection.
Use authorised operators only.
Wear the seat belt.
Carry loads low.
Use reverse travel or a spotter if visibility is blocked.
Follow pedestrian controls.
Obey speed limits.
Lower forks before parking.
Apply the parking brake.
Remove defective forklifts from service.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Today we will verify daily inspections, ensure seat belts are worn, keep loads low and use spotters where visibility is limited. Pedestrians always have priority.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Has the daily inspection been completed?
Is the operator authorised?
Is visibility restricted?
Is a spotter required?
Are pedestrian routes protected?
How will the forklift be parked safely?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Authorised operator
Inspection complete
Brakes OK
Horn working
Alarm working
Forks OK
Load secure
Seat belt worn
Pedestrian routes clear
Safe parking area
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Forklift Safety