What to Do if Your Forklift Tips Over

Forklifts are designed to offer optimal safety and performance, but there are certain risks associated with forklift operation. One of the most common safety problems with forklifts is tipping. When a forklift tips over, it can cause serious property damage, not to mention increase the risk of injury to operators. Knowing what to do in this situation can minimize the risks caused by tipping. Keep reading for some forklift safety tips to avoid tipping and make sure you stay safe in the event your forklift tips over.

When a forklift tips over, it can be a very stressful situation. The good news is that all it takes is a little preparation to make sure you stay safe in case your forklift starts to tip. Here are some forklift safety tips to deal with a tipping situation:

• Try to stay calm: The most important thing to do when a forklift starts to tip over is to try to stay as calm as possible. Panicking will prevent you from making the quick, proactive decisions you need to make in the moment and will increase the risk of injury and damage as a result of the tipping forklift. Knowing how to deal with the situation can help curb nervousness and give you the ability to remain calm and collected if your forklift tips over.
• Wear your seatbelt: You never know when a forklift might tip over, so it’s important to always be prepared by taking the necessary safety precautions. Always wear your seatbelt when you’re operating a forklift. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple step that can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping you safe in the event your forklift tips over.
• Stay in your seat: When a forklift first begins tipping over, many operators instinctively try to jump out of the forklift before it hits the ground. However, attempting to jump out of a forklift can actually increase the risk of injuries for forklift operators. With this in mind, it’s best to remain in place if a forklift starts to tip over.
• Brace yourself for the impact: When you feel a forklift start to tip over, stiffen your upper body and press your arms firmly against the steering wheel to brace yourself for the impact. This will prevent your upper body from jostling too much upon impact and protect your head and neck from whiplash when the forklift hits the ground. In addition to stiffening your upper body, use your feet to push down and stiffen your lower body. At the same time, lean your body in the opposite direction from the way the forklift is falling.

Professional forklift training

For more forklift safety tips and professional forklift training, reach out to V-Bar Equipment Company. We specialize in quality material handling equipment, services and training programs to provide our customers with everything they need. As a locally owned and operated business, we are committed to providing the highest quality customer service around. Give us a call or stop by to find out more about what we have to offer.

Categorised in: Forklift Training

This post was written by Writer