Safely Stack and Lift Forklift Loads: A Guide to Your Personal Safety

Jun 01 2023 Safety Forklift Operator Training 3 Min. Read

If you work in a warehouse or distribution facility, you are familiar with pallet racks used for organizing and storing products and the forklifts used for stacking pallets on racks or removing them for delivery to other areas.

When it comes to safely lifting and stacking loads while operating a forklift, following proper procedures is essential. This guide will provide you with the steps needed to ensure safe operation:

Procedures for safely lifting and stacking forklift loads.

Here are some steps to help ensure safe operation:

Ensure the load is right for the forklift.

Forklifts are prone to tipping over. A load that is too heavy or unbalanced can cause a tip-over accident. The forklift operator should make sure each load matches their truck’s lift capacity and that the weight is balanced. The operator also needs to check that the load is firmly secured on the pallet to prevent it shifting and falling.

Plan your route.

Take a moment to assess the path you’ll take and the location where you will be placing the load. Make sure there are no obstacles in your path. Be aware of rough surfaces, inclines, corners, traffic, and blind spots.

Picking up a load.

Position your forklift as close to the load as possible. Put the truck in neutral and apply the handbrake. Make sure the forks are level and raise them to line up with the pallet. At this point you can release the brake, put the truck in drive, and move forward so the forks are fully under the load.

Lift the load slowly and smoothly, keeping it level and stable as you lift it. You may need to tip the forks back slightly to ensure the load is secure before lowering it. Make sure the load is clear of the rack before lowering it and moving on.

Moving a load.

Move the loaded forklift carefully and at a reasonable speed, keeping the load as low as possible. Keep the load tilted slightly back to prevent it from tipping forward.

Placing a load.

When you get to your destination, position your forklift as close to the delivery location as possible. Put the truck in neutral and apply the handbrake.

If you're delivering a load to a pallet rack, raise the forks to the appropriate level. Release the brake, put the forklift in drive and move forward. Level your forks once you’re in position and apply the handbrake. Lower the load into place. Release the brake, put the truck in reverse, and move back until the forks are fully clear of the load. Lower the forks for travel.

If the load is destined for the floor, level and lower your forks once you’re in place, in neutral, with the handbrake on. Once the pallet is on the floor, release the brake, put the truck in reverse, and move back until the forks are fully clear of the load. Raise the forks for travel.

Conclusion:

It is crucial for all forklift operators to follow these safety procedures to avoid accidents, injuries, and damage to structures and equipment. By prioritizing safety and using common sense, accidents can be prevented, ensuring the well-being of operators and pedestrians alike.

Comprehensive and engaging operator training boosts forklift safety in an operation. TrainMOR, a Morrison Industrial Equipment Co. program, offers effective forklift operator training that meets OSHA requirements and truly emphasizes safety. Contact us today for more information or visit or Thinkific course sign-up site.