Top 5 Forklift Safety Violations and How to Prevent Them

Forklifts are essential for many industries, but they also pose serious risks when not operated safely. Failing to comply with forklift safety regulations can result in workplace accidents, legal penalties, and costly damages. To help businesses stay compliant, we’ve identified the top five most common forklift safety violations and how to prevent them with proper forklift safety training courses.

1. Lack of Proper Forklift Operator Certification
One of the most common violations is allowing untrained or uncertified employees to operate forklifts. In the UK, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires all operators to undergo approved forklift safety training to ensure they can handle equipment safely and efficiently.

How to prevent this:
Ensure all forklift operators complete accredited forklift safety training courses.
Provide refresher training to keep skills up to date.
Maintain records of all operator certifications to ensure compliance.

2. Failing to Conduct Pre-Operational Safety Checks
Skipping daily forklift inspections is another major violation that can lead to equipment failure and workplace accidents. A poorly maintained forklift can have issues such as faulty brakes, steering problems, or hydraulic leaks, increasing the risk of incidents.

How to prevent this:
Implement a daily forklift safety checklist to identify mechanical issues before use.
Train operators to spot potential hazards and report them immediately.
Schedule routine maintenance and servicing by qualified professionals.

3. Exceeding Load Capacity Limits
Overloading a forklift is a dangerous practice that can lead to tipping, loss of load control, and severe injuries. Every forklift has a specific load capacity, and exceeding it compromises stability.

How to prevent this:
Train operators on safe load handling techniques through forklift safety training courses.
Ensure all forklifts display clear load capacity ratings.
Teach staff how to properly distribute weight to maintain balance.

4. Unsafe Forklift Operation
Speeding, reckless driving, and failing to follow designated routes are common violations that increase the likelihood of workplace accidents. Forklift operators must always follow safe driving practices to avoid collisions and injuries.

How to prevent this:
Reinforce proper forklift operation through comprehensive safety training courses.
Set and enforce speed limits within the workplace.
Use designated pedestrian walkways and clearly mark forklift travel paths.

5. Poor Workplace Safety Measures
A lack of proper signage, barriers, and pedestrian safety measures can create hazardous working conditions. Many accidents occur due to poor visibility, blind spots, and inadequate traffic management in warehouses.

How to prevent this:
Install safety signs and floor markings to guide operators and pedestrians.
Implement pedestrian training alongside forklift safety training courses to promote awareness.
Use safety barriers and mirrors to improve visibility in high-traffic areas.

Why Should you Invest in Forklift Training?
At Sabretec Training, we specialise in accredited forklift safety training courses designed to keep businesses compliant and their employees safe. With over 45 years of experience in MHE training, we provide industry-leading safety training courses tailored to your operational needs.

Don’t risk costly fines or workplace accidents. Contact Sabretec Training to schedule your forklift safety training and ensure your business stays compliant.
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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.
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