Forklifts are an integral part of many industries in Canada, ranging from manufacturing and construction to warehousing and logistics. While they provide valuable assistance, it is essential to acknowledge that forklifts pose significant safety risks to operators and nearby workers.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), forklift accidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. To prevent such incidents, employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers receive proper forklift Safety.
FORKLIFT DEFINITION
What are forklifts?
Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, are industrial vehicles designed to lift, move, and transport heavy loads over short distances. They are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and other settings where materials need to be lifted and transported efficiently.
Which are the main types of forklifts?
- Counterbalance forklifts: These are the most common type of forklift and are used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. They have a weight in the back of the forklift to balance the weight of the load in the front. Counterbalance forklifts can be powered by gasoline, diesel, propane, or electricity. Depending on the specific application, they are available in different sizes and weight capacities.
- Reach forklifts: These are designed to operate in narrow spaces and have a reach mechanism that allows the forks to extend beyond the base of the forklift. Reach forklifts are commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers for stacking and retrieving pallets. They are available in electric and propane-powered models and are typically used indoors.
- Order picker forklifts: These are used for picking individual items from shelves in warehouses and distribution centers. The operator stands on a platform and can lift the forks and platform to the desired height. Order picker forklifts are commonly used in retail and e-commerce fulfillment centers where individual items must be picked and packed for shipment.
- Rough terrain forklifts: These are designed for outdoor use on uneven surfaces, such as construction sites or lumber yards. They have larger inflatable tires and higher ground clearance. Rough terrain forklifts can be powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane and have weight capacities ranging from 2,000 to 13,000 kg. They are commonly used in the construction, agriculture, and forestry industries.
Which are the main classes of powered forklifts?
The classification of lift truck types recognized by the International Industrial Truck Association (IITA), as well as others not classified by the IITA, is as follows:
- Class 1: Electric motor rider trucks. This class includes electric-powered forklifts that are designed for carrying and lifting loads while the operator rides on the forklift.
- Class 2: Electric motor narrow aisle truck. This class includes electric-powered forklifts that are designed for operating in narrow aisles with high stacking capabilities.
- Class 3: Electric motor-driven hand trucks. – This class includes electric-powered forklifts that are designed for manual operation by the operator, either as a hand truck or as a rider truck.
- Class 4: Internal combustion engine lift trucks — cushion tires. This class includes forklifts powered by an internal combustion engine and cushion tires designed for indoor use on smooth surfaces.
- Class 5: Internal combustion engine lift trucks — pneumatic tires. This class includes forklifts powered by an internal combustion engine and pneumatic tires designed for outdoor use on rough surfaces.
- Class 6: Electric and internal combustion engine tractors. This class includes forklifts designed for towing and hauling loads and powered by either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
- Class 7: Rough terrain lift trucks. This class includes forklifts designed for outdoor use on rough and uneven terrain and powered by an internal combustion engine.
- non-powered high lift trucks; and
- personnel and burden carriers.
(Source: CSA Standards, B335-15 (R2020) Safety standard for lift trucks, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/B335-15/, 2020)
What are the main hazards?
Forklifts are powerful machines that can cause serious accidents if not operated correctly. The following are some possible hazards of forklift operator safety:
• Tip-overs: Forklifts can tip over if they are overloaded, driven on uneven surfaces, or driven too fast around corners.
• Falls from height: Forklift operators can fall from a height if they are not wearing a seatbelt or if the forklift is driven too close to an edge.
• Struck-by accidents: Pedestrians can be struck by a forklift if the operator is not paying attention or if the pedestrian is not visible to the operator.
• Crush injuries: Forklifts can cause crush injuries if the operator pins someone between the forklift and a wall or if the forklift tips over onto a person.
• Electrical hazards: Electric forklifts can cause electrical hazards if they come into contact with live wires or conductive surfaces.
What are the main practices of forklift safety?
The main practices of forklift safety include the following:
• Operator Training and Certification – Operators must receive proper training and certification before they can operate a forklift. The training must cover the safe operation of the forklift, including how to inspect the equipment, how to handle loads, and how to navigate in different environments.
• Equipment Maintenance and Inspection – Forklifts must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good working condition. This includes checking the brakes, steering, tires, and other components.
• Hazard Identification and Assessment – Employers must identify and assess the hazards that may be present in their workplace, including uneven surfaces, narrow aisles, and overhead obstacles. They must also develop and implement procedures to eliminate or control these hazards.
• Safe Work Procedures – Employers must establish safe work procedures for the operation of forklifts, including rules for loading and unloading, parking, and refuelling.
FORKLIFT LEGISLATION
What is federal forklift legislation?
The Canada Labour Code Part II is the federal legislation governing forklift safety in Canada. 3 (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/). It sets out the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in federally regulated industries, including the requirements for the safe operation of forklifts.
The code requires employers to provide workers with information, instruction, and training on the safe operation and maintenance of forklifts.
Employers must also ensure that their forklifts are in good working condition and meet the safety standards established by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
For example, CSA B335-15 Safety standard for lift trucks – This standard sets out the requirements for the safe design, construction, and use of lift trucks, including forklifts. It covers stability, capacity, and operator training (Source: CSA Group, Safety standard for lift trucks, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/B335-15/, 2020).
What is provincial and territorial forklift legislation?
Each province and territory in Canada has its own occupational health and safety legislation, which may differ from federal legislation and can include additional requirements. The table below provides a summary of the provincial and territorial regulations pertaining to forklift operation:
| Province/Territory | Forklift Operation Regulations |
| Alberta | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| British Columbia | Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 16 – Mobile Equipment |
| Manitoba | Workplace Safety and Health Act, Part 10 – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| New Brunswick | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part XX – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 7 – Mobile Equipment |
| Northwest Territories | Safety Act, Part 15 – Mobile Equipment |
| Nova Scotia | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 22 – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| Nunavut | Safety Act, Part 15 – Mobile Equipment |
| Ontario | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments |
| Prince Edward Island | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 15 – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| Quebec | Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety, Part XII – Mobile Equipment |
| Saskatchewan | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 19 – Powered Mobile Equipment |
| Yukon | Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 18 – Mobile Equipment |
FORKLIFT SAFETY
What is Forklift Safety?
Forklift Safety is a process that provides workers with the knowledge and skills required to operate forklifts safely and efficiently. The training covers topics such as forklift operation, load handling, and hazard identification and assessment. Hands-on training is often required to ensure that operators can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in a real-world environment.
Who is responsible for Forklift Safety?
According to the Canada Labour Code, Part II (Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/), employers must provide forklift Safety to workers before allowing them to operate a forklift, and on an ongoing basis as necessary.
Employers must inform workers of any health hazards from harmful substances (such as carbon monoxide from internal combustion engine forklifts) that workers may be exposed to and the employer’s procedures to protect workers’ health.
Who needs Forklift Safety?
Forklift Safety is essential for workers in various industries who are responsible for operating forklifts as part of their job duties. These industries include:
- Manufacturing: Forklifts are commonly used in manufacturing plants to move heavy machinery, equipment, and materials within the facility. Workers in this industry require forklift Safety to operate the machinery safely, preventing accidents that could cause injuries or property damage.
- Construction: Forklifts play a crucial role in the construction industry for lifting and moving materials such as lumber, bricks, and concrete blocks. Workers in this field need forklift Safety to operate forklifts safely on construction sites, which may have uneven terrain or other hazards.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Forklifts are extensively used in warehouses and distribution centers for the movement and storage of goods. Workers in this industry must undergo forklift Safety to safely operate forklifts in busy, fast-paced environments where there are other workers and equipment moving around.
- Agriculture: The agriculture industry relies on forklifts to transport crops and materials like fertilizer and feed. Workers in this field need forklift Safety to operate forklifts safely on farms, which may have uneven terrain or other hazards.
- Retail: Forklifts are utilized in retail stores to transfer merchandise from trucks to the store and within the stockroom. Workers in this industry require forklift Safety to operate forklifts safely in crowded environments where there may be customers and other workers moving around.
By providing comprehensive forklift Safety, employers can ensure that workers in these industries possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate forklifts safely, minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting a secure work environment.
Can you do Forklift Safety online?
Yes, forklift Safety can be conducted online, but it’s important to note that online courses typically cover the theoretical aspects of the training only. To be fully certified, individuals need to complete both theoretical training and evaluation, as well as workplace-specific hands-on practice (blended training).
Blended training is an alternative approach that combines online theoretical training with on-site practical training. Any company or organization claiming to provide full certification solely through online training without the hands-on component is likely operating a scam.
Blended training may be recommended for those who have access to the required equipment or have a competent person to oversee the completion of the workplace-specific checklist.
Although it may seem as a better option, in-classroom training still requires workplace-specific hands-on practice, which can present challenges. The equipment used in the training doesn’t always match the equipment used in the workplace, thus making it inconvenient for some individuals. Furthermore, it is more expensive and not necessarily more practical.
According to CSA Standard B335-15, hands-on training should include the following:
- preoperational check;
- start-up and shutdown;
- general operations, including stopping, starting, turning, driving forward and in reverse, parking,and operating around personnel;
- load handling, including selection and security of loads, pickup and placement, personnel lifting,stacking, and restocking;
- loading and unloading of transport vehicles, structures, and elevators; and
- operational maintenance, including refuelling, recharging (where appropriate), and routineinspections.
(Source: CSA Group, Safety standard for lift trucks (B335-15), 2020)
Where can you purchase Forklift Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Forklift Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
How we compare
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FORKLIFT SAFETY CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
This program should include the following elements:
- hazard identification
- operating environment
- lift truck selection criteria
- pre-use of lift trucks
- general safety practices
- training (of lift truck operators, supervisors, and others working near lift trucks)and
- maintenance and repair procedures
(Source: CSA Group, Safety standard for lift trucks (B335-15), 2020)
How long is the certificate valid?
In Canada, forklift licenses have a validity period of three years. It is important to renew your forklift license within this timeframe to ensure that you can continue operating heavy machinery legally and safely.
Additionally, if you are transitioning to a newer forklift model, you may be required to undergo a refresher course or additional training to familiarize yourself with the updated features and safety protocols of the equipment.
Adhering to these requirements ensures that forklift operators maintain their skills and knowledge up to date, promoting a secure working environment for both operators and those around them.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, forklift safety is paramount in any workplace that involves the use of forklifts. Not only is it important for the well-being of the forklift operator, but also for the safety of other workers in the vicinity. By following proper forklift safety procedures, including training, inspections, and maintenance, employers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, which can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and most importantly, saving lives. It’s essential to prioritize forklift safety to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone involved. Remember, safety first, always!