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National Forklift Safety Day: 5 Tips

In recognition of National Forklift Safety Day, Bobcat shares five essential forklift safety tips—including operator training, daily inspections, load management and the use of advanced safety features—to help reduce accidents and promote safer job sites. These safety reminders support better operations and reflect Bobcat’s...

Bobcat Company recognizes that safety is more than a checklist—it’s a shared responsibility across every job site, warehouse and operator station. In honor of National Forklift Safety Day, Bobcat is joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness about safe forklift practices and highlight the proactive steps operators can take to protect themselves and their teams.

Forklifts are essential to efficient material handling, but they must be operated with care. OSHA reports nearly 110,000 forklift-related accidents each year in the United States, including approximately 35,000 serious injuries and multiple fatalities. These statistics demonstrate why proper training and consistent safety habits are critical.

“National Forklift Safety Day is a great reminder that safety starts with training, technology and a culture of accountability,” said Andre Marshall, product manager. “We are committed to equipping our customers and employees with the knowledge and tools they need to operate safely every single day.”

Below are five key practices to help maintain safer forklift operation year-round.

1. Train and Certify Every Operator

OSHA requires that all forklift operators complete a two-phase training process: classroom instruction followed by hands-on evaluation.
Training should be tailored to the types of forklifts used and the specific environments in which they operate. Operation & Maintenance Manuals provide model-specific guidelines that operators should understand before beginning any task.

2. Conduct Daily Inspections and Preventive Maintenance

Forklifts must be inspected at the start of every shift.
A daily inspection should include checking:

  • Fluid levels

  • Tire wear

  • Hydraulics and hoses

  • Fork condition

  • Brakes, lights, horns and alarms

If any issues are detected, the machine should be tagged out until proper repairs are made. Proper maintenance is an essential component of safe operation and helps reduce downtime.

3. Stay Aware of Your Environment

Situational awareness is one of the most important aspects of safe forklift operation.
Operators should stay alert to:

  • Pedestrian traffic

  • Floor conditions

  • Ramps and loading areas

  • Blind corners

  • Obstacles or other vehicles

Visibility aids—such as mirrors, horns, alarms and safety lights—can further enhance awareness and communication.

4. Understand Load Capacity and the Stability Triangle

Overloading is a leading cause of forklift tip-overs.
Operators must understand:

  • How to read the data plate

  • How lift height affects capacity

  • How attachments impact balance

  • Why load placement matters

A forklift’s Stability Triangle (formed by the front wheels and rear axle pivot point) is central to safe operation. As weight shifts—especially when lifting—the center of gravity moves. Keeping that center of gravity inside the triangle is essential to prevent tip-overs.

5. Embrace Technology and Built-In Safety Features

Bobcat forklifts are designed with advanced safety systems that support operator confidence and bystander protection. Technologies such as the Guardian Stability System (GSS) and Operator Sensing System (OSS) assist with lift control and machine responsiveness.

Additional features like:

  • High-visibility cabs

  • Rear grab bars with horn buttons

  • Optional blue safety lights

help enhance awareness and reduce risks during operation.

Safety Is an Ongoing Commitment

National Forklift Safety Day serves as an important reminder that safe operation requires continual attention.
Taking a moment before every shift to inspect equipment, review procedures and stay alert can make a measurable difference in preventing accidents.

Start today. Stay alert. Stay safe.

About Bobcat Company

Bobcat Company empowers people to accomplish more and has upheld this mission since pioneering the compact equipment industry in 1958. As a leading global manufacturer, Bobcat delivers innovative solutions for loaders, excavators, tractors, utility vehicles, telehandlers, mowers, compaction tools, portable power, industrial air equipment, forklifts, attachments, implements and more. Supported by an extensive dealer network, Bobcat continues to help operators tackle their toughest job site challenges.

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