Common Forklift Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Forklifts are essential in warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing plants, but improper operation can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and costly damages. Many forklift accidents occur due to common mistakes that could be easily prevented with proper training and awareness. At Sabretec Training, we have over 45 years of experience in Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) training. We are an accredited training provider known for excellence in service provision, outstanding customer care, and great reviews from businesses across the UK. Let's explore common forklift mistakes.
1. Failing to Conduct Pre-Use Safety Checks:
One of the most overlooked but essential aspects of forklift operation is the pre-use inspection. Operators must check the forklift before each shift to identify any mechanical faults, such as brake failures, worn tyres, or hydraulic leaks. Neglecting these checks can result in breakdowns, equipment failure, or accidents.
How to Avoid It:
Sabretec Training teaches operators how to conduct thorough pre-use safety inspections, ensuring all forklifts are in top condition before use. This helps prevent unexpected failures and keeps workplaces safe.
2. Overloading the Forklift
Each forklift has a maximum load capacity, which must never be exceeded. Overloading can cause the forklift to become unstable, leading to tip-overs, damaged goods, and potential injuries.
How to Avoid It:
Proper forklift training helps operators understand load capacity ratings, weight distribution, and the importance of securing loads correctly. At Sabretec Training, we emphasise safe loading techniques to prevent accidents and costly product damage.
3. Incorrect Load Handling
Improper load handling, such as lifting with uneven weight distribution, tilting loads incorrectly, or failing to secure items properly, can lead to dropped goods, damaged pallets, or forklift instability.
How to Avoid It:
Our expert training ensures operators learn the correct way to pick up, transport, and stack loads securely, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and product loss.
4. Reckless Driving and Speeding
Operating a forklift at excessive speeds or making sudden turns can cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to serious injuries. Forklifts are designed for controlled, steady movements—speeding or sharp turns compromise stability.
How to Avoid It:
Sabretec Training reinforces safe driving techniques, including speed control, proper turning methods, and hazard awareness to ensure operators handle forklifts responsibly.
5. Ignoring Pedestrian Safety
One of the most common forklift-related accidents involves collisions with pedestrians. Operators must always be aware of their surroundings, use signals, and follow designated traffic routes within warehouses and work sites.
How to Avoid It:
We educate operators on pedestrian awareness, workplace safety zones, and effective communication to minimise the risk of accidents and maintain a safe working environment.
6. Operating a Forklift Without Proper Training
Untrained or uncertified forklift operators pose a significant risk to themselves and others. Lack of training leads to poor load handling, unsafe driving, and a higher chance of accidents.
How to Avoid It:
Sabretec Training provides AITT-accredited training to ensure all forklift operators are fully competent, compliant with UK safety regulations, and equipped with the skills needed to handle forklifts safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Sabretec Training?
With over 45 years of industry experience and expertise in Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) training, Sabretec Training is committed to delivering exceptional service and customer care. Our accredited courses cover novice training, refresher courses, and multi-truck training, helping businesses across the UK maintain safety and compliance. We have outstanding reviews
from satisfied clients who trust us to provide high-quality training tailored to their needs.
Book Your Forklift Training
Avoid costly mistakes and ensure workplace safety with Sabretec Training. Whether you need beginner training, refresher courses, or multi-truck certification, we provide expert training to keep your operators skilled and your business compliant. Contact us
today to book your forklift training and improve safety standards at your workplace.
Creating a safe and compliant workplace is a long-term investment in your team. Regulations change, new risks emerge, and staff come and go. That’s why ongoing training is essential for maintaining safety standards and keeping your organisation fully compliant with current legislation. We support businesses across the UK with practical, flexible training solutions that meet the demands of today’s working environments. Safety conscious: Accidents in the workplace often stem from outdated knowledge or a lapse in routine. Providing regular training helps reinforce best practices and reduces the likelihood of injury or non-compliance. For example, Manual Handling Training refreshes employees on safe lifting methods and posture, lowering the risk of injury. Similarly, Forklift Training, when renewed periodically, ensures operators remain competent and confident in safely using equipment in line with industry expectations. Staying compliant Under UK health and safety law, employers must provide proper training to help their staff work safely. This includes everything from First Aid at Work courses to equipment handling and safety procedures. Keeping training up to date helps ensure you remain compliant with legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Beyond compliance, this demonstrates a clear commitment to your team’s wellbeing. Responding to change and risk Workplaces evolve over time with new equipment, expanded operations, and layout changes, these all introduce new hazards. Regular training enables your workforce to adjust and respond effectively. For instance, ongoing first aid training ensures staff are ready to manage medical incidents confidently, while refresher forklift training helps operators stay safe as working conditions or regulations shift. Partner with Sabretec Training With over 45 years’ experience in health and safety training, Sabretec Training delivers courses that are practical, recognised, and tailored to your business. We provide nationwide training on-site or off-site covering everything from first aid to manual handling and materials handling equipment (MHE). Contact Sabretec Training today for expert guidance and more information on our training courses.
Retaining talented employees is a key priority for many businesses, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through ongoing workplace training. Providing staff with access to professional development not only improves safety and performance but also contributes significantly to employee morale and job satisfaction. At Sabretec Training, we help businesses across the UK deliver accredited, high-quality training that strengthens teams and supports long-term success. 1. Investing in Employees Builds Loyalty Offering courses such as First Aid at Work, Manual Handling, and Forklift Training sends a clear message, you value your team’s wellbeing and development. When staff see that their employer is committed to their growth and safety, they’re more likely to remain loyal and motivated, helping reduce turnover and recruitment costs. 2. Skilled Staff Are More Confident Training provides employees with the knowledge and confidence they need to work safely and effectively. Whether they’re operating machinery or handling an emergency, staff who have received proper training are more comfortable in their roles, leading to improved morale and a stronger workplace culture. 3. Supporting Development Encourages Progression Our verified and accredited courses offer staff tangible qualifications they can use to build their careers. This commitment to development boosts job satisfaction and signals to your team that they have a future with your company. 4. A Safe Workplace Promotes Positive Culture Proper training ensures a safer work environment, which helps build trust across your workforce. Fewer incidents mean less stress, reduced downtime, and a more positive day-to-day experience for your staff. Sabretec Training’s expert-led courses help businesses create compliant, secure workplaces where people feel protected and supported. 5. Choose Sabretec Training for Trusted, Flexible Solutions With over 45 years’ experience in the training industry, Sabretec Training offers tailored, compliant solutions for businesses of all sizes. We provide nationwide coverage, flexible scheduling, and a wide range of essential workplace training services to meet your needs. Get in touch with Sabretec Training to learn more about our workplace training options.
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