What should you do if the load obstructs your view while driving a forklift?

Driving a forklift with an obstructed view is a significant safety concern. When the load you're carrying blocks your line of sight, it becomes essential to address this issue to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both the operator and those around them.

Opting to drive in reverse or having a spotter guide you is the safest and most effective way to manage the situation. Driving in reverse allows you to see where you are going and avoid obstacles, which is crucial in a busy workplace where visibility can be compromised by large loads. Alternatively, having a spotter can provide an additional layer of safety. The spotter can help direct the forklift operator, ensuring that they are aware of their surroundings and navigational hazards that may not be visible.

This approach helps minimize the risk of collisions and accidents that could result from poor visibility. Other options, such as speeding up or lifting the load higher, could lead to reckless driving and an increased potential for hazardous situations, while ignoring the obstruction undermines safety protocols entirely. Therefore, the best practice is to either drive in reverse or use a spotter to maintain safety while operating the forklift.