Rules of the Road

Smoothness, sureness and precision are the mark of a good driver. These elements are the marks of a professional driver who has made his good moves automatic and safety habits a rule.

A professional obeys all traffic rules. Observes all signs and markers, stays within all aisle-line markers and keeps to the right. Be alert for hazard markings which denote dangerous cross aisles, overhead obstacles and the like.

Blow your horn at all blind intersections and corners. Sound your horn when you start up or when you reverse your truck. Never start forward or backward without first looking carefully. Stay constantly alert. Keep your mind on the job. Look for potential trouble spots before trouble happens.

Drive the Friendly Floors

When you’re operating your forklift, your world is the area you’re working in – the floors, the aisles, the racks and, yes, even the ceilings. Make sure your working world is a safe one. Simple obstacles such as pot holes or an oil slick can be dangerous. When operating in a new area, walk it first, observing the potential hazards. Check the floor conditions. Check for overhead obstructions, low doorway. Check for dangerous cross aisles.

Watch for pedestrian crosswalks, doors and main working areas. You can’t afford surprises so play it safe, the professional way. Just by knowing your area, you can avoid many dangerous situations.

Dockside Procedures

Loading docks are one of the most dangerous locations in a plant for several reasons. First, many forklifts concentrate there during peek loading times. Second, carelessness in chocking trucks or placing dockboards has caused many fatalities. Finally, driving off the dock edge is something that you may only do once.

To protect yourself and your fellow workers at dockside follow these simple but essential steps. Before driving onto a semi-trailer or truck the first time, make sure its wheels are chocked; don’t depend on asking a fellow worker. Always be sure the dockboard has been placed securely. When driving onto a dockboard, center your machine.

Don’t drive too close to the dock edge. If your tire catches the edge of the dock, it will pull you over. Docks are deadly treat them with respect.