See also the OSHA web page on Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklifts.

Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklifts - Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle Maintenance

Forklift mechanics are exposed to a variety of hazardous materials. Chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards, such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity, and physical hazards, such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity. Forklift operators, often perform some of their own maintenance, such as refueling diesel or gasoline powered trucks, changing propane tanks on LPG trucks, or recharging and servicing electric batteries on electric forklifts.

Powered Industrial Trucks - Forklifts - Loading and Unloading

Loading and Unloading

Powered industrial trucks (referred to as PITs or forklifts) are used in numerous work settings, primarily to load and unload materials. Forklift overturns are the leading cause of fatalities involving forklifts and they represent about 25% of all forklift-related deaths. The case studies examined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) indicate that the forklift, the factory environment, and actions of the operator can all contribute to fatal incidents involving forklifts.