Course in Forklift Safety Instructions 

Forklift Safety Instructions training program, offered by Geneve Institute of Business Management, is designed to serve as a comprehensive reference for professionals working in environments where forklifts are an essential tool for transportation, storage, and material handling. Forklifts play a vital role in warehouses, ports, factories, and distribution centers, yet their operation involves significant risks if proper safety measures are not strictly followed. This program highlights the importance of safe operation, not only to prevent accidents and injuries but also to protect property and ensure the smooth flow of operations. It focuses on equipping operators, supervisors, and safety officers with the knowledge and guidelines required to handle forklifts responsibly, comply with international safety standards, and foster a strong safety culture within their organizations. Beyond the technical aspects, the program emphasizes operator behavior, awareness, and responsibility as key factors in maintaining a safe and organized work environment, ultimately contributing to higher productivity and efficiency.

Target Group:

• Forklift operators working in warehouses, factories, and industrial sites who need a deeper understanding of safety requirements during daily operations.

• Occupational health and safety officers responsible for developing policies and monitoring compliance with forklift safety standards in their organizations.

• Supervisors and frontline managers overseeing transportation and storage activities who wish to strengthen their knowledge to ensure safe and efficient workflows.

• Employees working in ports, airports, and logistics centers where forklifts are heavily used for material handling and transportation tasks.

• Technical and maintenance staff who are directly involved in the upkeep and operation of forklifts, requiring a solid understanding of safe operational practices.

Objectives:

• Enhance participants’ awareness of the importance of following forklift safety instructions as a critical factor in protecting lives and reducing material losses.

• Provide trainees with a comprehensive understanding of both international and local standards and regulations related to forklift operations, enabling them to work within a clear legal framework.

• Help participants identify potential risks that may arise during forklift operation, and explain preventive measures to minimize these risks before accidents occur.

• Equip participants with the necessary knowledge regarding inspection and maintenance practices that ensure forklift efficiency and minimize unexpected breakdowns.

• Promote a culture of safety in the workplace by embedding preventive practices that reduce accidents and injuries while supporting organizational sustainability.

Course Outline :

• Introduction to Forklifts

  • The importance of forklifts in industrial and logistical operations.

  • Different types of forklifts and their specific applications.

  • Risks associated with improper or careless use.

  • The operator’s role in maintaining workplace safety.

• Standards and Regulations

  • Overview of laws and regulations governing forklift use.

  • Responsibilities of employers and operators under safety guidelines.

  • International safety requirements and compliance measures.

  • Licensing, certification, and training requirements.

• General Safety Requirements

  • Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Establishing and marking designated forklift operating areas.

  • The role of warning signs and guiding instructions.

  • Managing the movement of forklifts alongside pedestrian traffic.

• Forklift Features and Components

  • Key structural parts of a forklift.

  • Hydraulic and mechanical operating systems.

  • Maximum load capacities and usage limitations.

  • Reading and interpreting data plates correctly.

• Safe Forklift Operation

  • Steps for starting, maneuvering, and shutting down the forklift.

  • Techniques for operating in narrow aisles and confined spaces.

  • Handling slopes, ramps, and elevated surfaces safely.

  • Rules for safe loading and unloading practices.

• Managing Operational Hazards

  • Preventing tip-overs and balance loss.

  • Reducing risks of collisions with equipment or personnel.

  • Avoiding sudden mechanical failures during operation.

  • Emergency protocols in the event of accidents.

• Daily and Periodic Inspections

  • Pre-operation safety checks.

  • Visual inspection of tires, forks, and overall equipment condition.

  • Monitoring fluid levels, fuel, and lubricants.

  • Documentation and reporting of inspection findings.

• Preventive Maintenance Practices

  • Core principles of preventive maintenance.

  • Timely replacement of worn or damaged components.

  • Safe handling of minor technical issues.

  • Collaboration between operators and maintenance teams.

• Creating a Safe Work Environment

  • Organizing storage areas and traffic lanes effectively.

  • Ensuring proper lighting and ventilation in work zones.

  • Safe storage methods to prevent collapses and hazards.

  • Traffic management inside warehouses and facilities.

• Operator Responsibilities

  • Adherence to rules, laws, and safety instructions.

  • Maintaining focus and alertness during operation.

  • Reporting hazards or equipment issues without delay.

  • Contributing actively to the promotion of workplace safety culture.