Ensuring Stable and Balanced Loads Before Transporting with a Forklift
Transporting loads with a forklift isn’t just about picking them up and driving away—it’s about control, visibility, and stability. OSHA (1910.178(o)(1)) and ANSI standards emphasize the importance of ensuring that all loads are secure, balanced, and safe to move before transport begins. Failure to do so can result in tip-overs, dropped loads, or injury to workers. Let's take a closer look at some common load types and best practices to keep things stable and safe.
1. Loads with Fork Pockets – But Shifting Contents Inside
Just because a load has fork pockets doesn’t mean it's safe to move. Think of containers like pallets with stacked boxes or metal bins filled with loose components. The outside may seem stable, but if the contents aren’t secure, they can shift during transit.
Safety Tips:
Always inspect the load internally if possible.
Use shrink wrap, banding, or dunnage to prevent items from shifting.
Tilt the forks slightly back during travel to help cradle the load.
Take turns slowly and avoid sudden stops that can cause momentum shifts.
2. Loads Without Fork Pockets
Irregular or awkwardly shaped items—like steel beams, pipes, or machinery—often lack fork pockets. These loads can be difficult to stabilize and balance.
Safety Tips:
Center the load over both forks as much as possible.
Use cribbing (wooden blocks) or custom pallets to create a more secure lifting base.
Tie down or strap the load to the forklift carriage if there’s any risk of sliding.
Consider slow, straight-line movement and wider turns to maintain balance.
3. Forklift Attachments
Attachments like drum handlers, carpet poles, rotators, and clamps can help move unusual loads, but they change the forklift’s center of gravity and rated capacity.
Safety Tips:
Always check the manufacturer’s data plate for the new rated capacity when using attachments.
Ensure the attachment is securely fastened before use.
Train operators on specific hazards of each attachment, such as off-center weight or reduced visibility.
Keep loads low and tilt back when possible, especially with extended or bulky attachments.
4. Using Rigging Equipment with Forklifts
Sometimes a forklift is used like a crane—with slings, chains, or spreader bars hung from the forks. This is technically allowed, but only if done correctly.
Safety Tips:
Never rig from the tips of the forks—use an approved lifting hook or boom attachment.
Rigging must be rated for the load weight and inspected prior to use.
Maintain vertical alignment between the load and the lifting point to avoid side loads.
Keep the load as low as practical and never lift people using rigged attachments.
Final Thought: Plan the Path and Communicate
For any load type, always plan your route in advance. Remove obstacles, clear pedestrian areas, and alert nearby workers. Use a spotter if visibility is limited. Safety doesn’t start when the forks are up—it starts with understanding the load.
By taking the time to assess stability, secure the contents, and use the right equipment, forklift operators can keep every lift safe, legal, and predictable.
