Operating the Forklift
A forklift is a powerful tool that allows one person to precisely lift and place large heavy loads with little effort.
Using a tool such as a forklift, cart or hand truck instead of lifting and carrying items by hand can reduce the risk that you will suffer a back injury.
However, there is great risk of injury or death when a forklift operator:
- has not been trained in the principles of physics that allows a forklift to lift heavy loads
- is not familiar with how a particular forklift operates
- operates the forklift carelessly
- uses a forklift that is not safe due to malfunctioning or missing parts
Minimum Age Requirement
It is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified to do so. Given the significant number of young workers employed, especially during the summer months, OSHA believes that it is important to remind all employers of the regulations that prohibit workers under 18 years of age from operating specified hazardous machines and equipment, including forklift trucks in non-agricultural operations.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. It is a violation of Federal law for anyone _____ to operate a forklift.
You forgot to answer the question!