---
title: "Forklift Safety: Closing Gaps Before Incidents Happen"
description: Powered forklifts are essential to operations across warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and more.
image: https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hubfs/iStock-897280394.jpg
---

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###### 2 min read

# [Forklift Safety: Closing Gaps Before Incidents Happen](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/forklift-safety-closing-gaps-before-incidents-happen)

 Jun 3, 2026 3:05:39 PM

![iStock-897280394](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-897280394.jpg?width=2094&height=1431&name=iStock-897280394.jpg)

Written by [Stacey Markel](https://unisonriskadvisors.com/person/stacey-markel), CHCM, CHSP, HEM

Powered industrial trucks, commonly known as forklifts, are essential to operations across warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and more. Regulated under OSHA’s [Powered Industrial Truck Standard](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.178), they are also one of the most frequently cited and dangerous pieces of equipment in the workplace. **As [National Forklift Safety Day](https://www.indtrk.org/national-forklift-safety-day) approaches on June 9**, it is an important reminder that most forklift-related incidents are preventable with proper controls, training and oversight.

Each year, thousands of workers are seriously injured, and dozens lose their lives, in incidents involving forklifts, order pickers and platform trucks. Beyond the human impact, these events drive costly claims, regulatory penalties and operational disruptions that directly affect an organization’s total cost of risk.

### Common Forklift-Related Citations

Forklift-related violations consistently rank among OSHA’s [Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards](https://www.osha.gov/top10citedstandards). The most common citations highlight gaps in basic safety controls that should be addressed well before an inspection or incident:

1. Operators not following safe operating procedures
2. Refresher training not completed after incidents or observed unsafe behavior
3. Missing or incomplete training documentation
4. Skipped or inconsistent daily inspections
5. Defective equipment not removed from service

### Practical Ways to Reduce Forklift Risk

Organizations that successfully reduce forklift incidents focus on disciplined, repeatable safety practices:

- **Train and evaluate operators consistently**: OSHA requires formal instruction, training and workplace performance evaluation. Refresher training must occur after accidents, near-misses or observed unsafe behavior, and at least every three years.
- **Inspect equipment before every shift**: Daily inspections should include brakes, steering, forks, tires, lights, seatbelts and warning devices. Any forklift that fails inspection should be tagged out and removed from service until repaired.
- **Manage loads and stability**: Operators should never exceed rated capacity, and loads must remain stable, balanced and low during travel. Loads should not be raised or lowered while the forklift is in motion.
- **Separate pedestrians and equipment**: Clear traffic management plans are essential. Marked travel lanes, mirrors at intersections, warning lights and enforced right-of-way rules help reduce pedestrian exposure.
- **Reinforce safe driving behavior**: Speed control, horn use at intersections and traveling in reverse when visibility is limited can significantly reduce incident severity.
- **Wear seatbelts at all times**: In tip-over events, seatbelts keep operators within the protective frame of the truck. Attempting to jump is a leading cause of fatal injuries.
- **Use approved platforms only**: Workers should never be lifted on forks or pallets. Only manufacturer-approved, properly secured work platforms should be used.
- **Document training and maintenance**: Training records, inspection logs and maintenance documentation are critical during an OSHA inspection and demonstrate a proactive safety culture.

###### Topics: [Risk Management](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/risk-management) [Construction](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/construction) [Commercial Risk Management](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/commercial-risk-management) [Unison Risk Advisors](https://www.thegibsonedge.com/blog/topic/unison-risk-advisors)

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