Bobcat Shares 5 Tips for Proper Forklift Operation
WEST FARGO, N.D. (June 9, 2025) — Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has joined the nationwide effort of bringing awareness to forklift safety by highlighting proactive steps that promote productivity while providing education on safe operation.
“National Forklift Safety Day is a great reminder that safety starts with training, technology and a culture of accountability,” said Andre Marshall, product manager. “At Bobcat, we are committed to equipping our customers and employees with the knowledge and tools they need to operate safely and effectively, every single day.”
In recognition of National Forklift Safety Day, Bobcat shared five key practices to keep forklift safety top of mind:
1. Train & Certify Every Operator
Safety begins with proper education. OSHA mandates that all forklift operators complete a two-phase training process — including classroom instruction and hands-on evaluation. Employers should tailor training to the specific types of forklifts and environments their teams work in, as well as leverage the machine’s operation and maintenance manuals for model-specific instructions.
2. Conduct Daily Inspections & Preventive Maintenance
OSHA requires that forklifts be inspected at the start of every shift. Daily walkarounds should include checks for leaks, tire wear, fluid levels and fork condition. Operators should also test brakes, lights, horns and alarms. If an issue is found, it’s important to tag it out of service until it can be repaired. A well-maintained machine is a component of safe operation — and routine inspections help mitigate potential issues.
3. Be Aware of Your Environment
Whether on a warehouse floor or navigating outdoor terrain, situational awareness is key. Operators must stay alert to pedestrians, floor conditions, ramps, blind spots and other vehicles. Using alarms, mirrors and safety lights can help enhance visibility and communication between team members.
4. Understand Load Capacity & the Stability Triangle
Among the leading causes of forklift accidents are tip-overs, of which overloading can be a contributing factor. Operators must know how to read the data plate and understand how factors like lift height, load length and attachments affect capacity.
Ensuring the load’s center of gravity stays within the forklift’s stability triangle is crucial for safe operation. This triangle is formed by connecting the two front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle. With a load, the center of gravity of the forklift is toward the center of the triangle. But as you add more weight to the forks or raise the mast with a load, the center of gravity shifts to the front of the triangle. Moving the center of gravity out of the stability triangle by adding too much weight or adding weight in the wrong places can cause tip-overs.
5. Embrace Technology & Safety Features
Many brands engineer forklifts with advanced safety features. Bobcat’s equipment includes technologies like the Guardian Stability System (GSS) and Operator Sensing System (OSS) to help ensure safe lifting and maneuvering. Additional features — including high-visibility cabs, rear grab bars with horn buttons, and optional blue safety lights — can further improve operator and bystander awareness.
As National Forklift Safety Day reminds us, safety is a continuous effort driven by awareness, action and a commitment to improvement. For operators, that means taking a moment before every shift to evaluate equipment, review safety guidelines and recommit to cautious, controlled operation.
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