Forklift Operation Course

Lesson 1 • Common Forklift Hazards and Statistics

Reviews industry injury data and the most frequent causes of forklift incidents. Motivates safe behavior through real-world consequence awareness.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework and Operator Duties

Covers the regulatory bodies and standards governing forklift operation. Establishes operator accountability within a compliant workplace.

Lesson 3 • Forklift Types and Industry Applications

Introduces the major forklift categories and their typical workplace uses. Connects equipment selection to operational context and job requirements.

Lesson 1 • Attachments and Their Controls

Introduces common forklift attachments and the additional controls they require. Connects attachment selection to load type and capacity adjustments.

Lesson 2 • Power Systems: Electric, LPG, and Diesel

Compares the three primary forklift power sources and their operational implications. Operators select and manage power systems appropriate to their environment.

Lesson 3 • Nameplates, Data Plates, and Capacity Charts

Teaches operators to read and apply the information on forklift data plates and capacity charts. Ensures load decisions are always grounded in manufacturer specifications.

Lesson 4 • Operator Controls and Instrumentation

Explains the function of every control, gauge, and indicator in the operator compartment. Prepares operators to interpret instrument readings before and during operation.

Lesson 1 • Operational Check Procedures

Covers the in-cab checks performed after starting the forklift to verify control and system function. Ensures all systems respond correctly before entering the work area.

Lesson 2 • Walkaround Inspection Sequence

Guides operators through a structured exterior inspection covering all critical components. Establishes a repeatable sequence that prevents missed checkpoints.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Frequency of Inspections

Explains why pre-operation inspections are required and when they must occur. Connects inspection discipline to equipment reliability and operator safety.

Lesson 1 • Reading and Applying Capacity Ratings

Teaches operators to calculate effective capacity based on load center and attachments. Prevents overloading through accurate pre-lift assessment.

Lesson 2 • The Stability Triangle Concept

Explains the three-point suspension system that defines forklift stability. Operators visualize how load and movement shift the center of gravity.

Lesson 3 • Tip-Over Prevention and Response

Addresses the conditions that trigger tip-overs and the correct operator response. Operators internalize the counterintuitive survival action during a tip-over event.

Lesson 4 • Factors That Affect Stability

Identifies the variables that reduce stability during operation. Operators anticipate and control these factors to maintain safe equilibrium.

Lesson 1 • Turning, Maneuvering, and Reversing

Develops operator skill in executing turns, tight maneuvers, and reverse travel. Prepares operators for real warehouse layouts and confined spaces.

Lesson 2 • Starting, Steering, and Stopping

Introduces the fundamental driving controls and their correct application. Builds smooth, controlled movement habits from the first practice session.

Lesson 3 • Safe Mounting and Dismounting

Establishes the correct three-point contact method for entering and exiting the forklift. Prevents slip-and-fall injuries at the point of operator contact with the machine.

Lesson 4 • Traveling with and without a Load

Covers safe travel posture, fork height, and speed management for both loaded and unloaded conditions. Reinforces stability principles during real movement.

Lesson 1 • Approaching and Aligning to Racking

Covers the correct approach angle, alignment method, and positioning for racking entry. Reduces beam strikes and pallet misplacement through disciplined technique.

Lesson 2 • Placing Loads at Height

Teaches the step-by-step sequence for safely elevating and depositing loads onto rack beams. Emphasizes mast stability and operator sightline management at height.

Lesson 3 • Types of Racking and Storage Systems

Introduces selective, drive-in, push-back, and floor-stack storage configurations. Operators understand how each system affects approach angle and lift technique.

Lesson 4 • Retrieving Loads from Racking

Covers the reverse sequence for safely extracting a load from elevated rack positions. Prevents load drops and rack damage during extraction.

Lesson 1 • Shift Handover and Traffic Briefings

Covers the information exchange required between shifts to maintain traffic safety continuity. Operators communicate hazards and route changes to incoming operators.

Lesson 2 • Facility Traffic Control Systems

Covers the physical and procedural controls used to separate forklifts from pedestrians. Operators recognize and comply with all traffic management infrastructure.

Lesson 3 • Pedestrian and Forklift Interaction Risks

Analyzes the dynamics of pedestrian struck-by incidents and their contributing factors. Builds operator empathy and vigilance toward foot traffic in the work area.

Lesson 4 • Communicating with Pedestrians and Coworkers

Develops operator communication skills for coordinating safely with people on foot. Reduces misunderstandings that lead to near-miss events.

Lesson 1 • Ramp and Incline Operations

Covers the load orientation, speed, and braking techniques required for safe ramp travel. Prevents tip-overs and runaway incidents on grades.

Lesson 2 • Cold Storage and Temperature-Controlled Environments

Addresses the equipment, operator, and surface challenges unique to refrigerated and frozen storage areas. Operators manage condensation, reduced visibility, and cold-related fatigue.

Lesson 3 • Loading Dock and Trailer Operations

Teaches the complete dock entry procedure including trailer securing, dock leveler use, and floor inspection. Eliminates trailer creep and floor collapse incidents.

Lesson 4 • Hazardous Materials and Sensitive Load Handling

Introduces the additional precautions required when handling hazardous or fragile materials. Operators apply spill prevention and load protection measures.