Operating a forklift may look simple, but behind the scenes, it requires knowledge, skill, and safety awareness. Unfortunately, many workers either jump behind the wheel with little training or develop risky habits over time. The result? Accidents, injuries, and expensive damage—most of which could have been avoided with proper training.
At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that forklift certification isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical tool that teaches operators how to identify and avoid common mistakes on the job. Whether you’re new to forklifts or a seasoned operator looking to sharpen your skills, understanding what can go wrong—and how to prevent it—makes all the difference.
Let’s take a look at the most common forklift mistakes and how certification from Get Drivers Ed can help keep you, your coworkers, and your workplace safe.
1. Skipping the Pre-Operational Inspection
Why This Mistake Happens
It’s easy to think you can just hop on a forklift and get to work, especially if you’ve used it the day before. But not checking the machine before each shift is one of the leading causes of mechanical failure and accidents.
What Can Go Wrong:
Brake or steering failure
Low hydraulic fluid or oil leaks
Faulty seatbelts or horn
Tire damage or wear
How Certification Helps:
Our forklift certification course at Get Drivers Ed includes a step-by-step guide on how to perform pre-operational checks—a critical habit that every operator should develop. It ensures your machine is in top shape and minimizes risks before you even start driving.
2. Carrying an Unbalanced Load
Why This Mistake Happens
Forklift operators often rush, skip proper loading techniques, or don’t fully understand load capacities and center of gravity.
What Can Go Wrong:
Load tipping or falling
Forklift overturning
Injuries to nearby workers
Damage to inventory or equipment
How Certification Helps:
Get Drivers Ed teaches operators how to read load capacity charts, properly secure and balance loads, and understand how shifting weight affects forklift stability—especially when turning or going up ramps.
3. Speeding or Taking Sharp Turns
Why This Mistake Happens
In fast-paced environments like warehouses or construction sites, operators may be pressured to move quickly. But speeding in a forklift is never a good idea.
What Can Go Wrong:
Loss of control
Forklift tipping
Collisions with racks, walls, or people
Overturns when turning too sharply
How Certification Helps:
We emphasize the importance of controlled speed, especially in tight spaces or when carrying a load. Get Drivers Ed trains operators on how to maintain balance and traction, and how to safely navigate corners without jeopardizing control or safety.
4. Poor Visibility and Not Checking Surroundings
Why This Mistake Happens
Forklift operators can have blind spots, especially when carrying tall loads. Some drivers may rely solely on mirrors or get too comfortable with their usual routes.
What Can Go Wrong:
Hitting pedestrians or coworkers
Colliding with shelves, racks, or other machinery
Damage to facility infrastructure
How Certification Helps:
Get Drivers Ed trains operators to stay alert, check all directions, use spotters when necessary, and adjust driving patterns for loads that obstruct visibility. You’ll also learn techniques for driving in reverse and communicating clearly in noisy environments.
5. Ignoring Floor Conditions or Operating on Unsafe Terrain
Why This Mistake Happens
Forklifts are often used both indoors and outdoors. Drivers may underestimate surface changes, such as wet floors, potholes, or inclines.
What Can Go Wrong:
Forklift skidding or slipping
Load shifting or dropping
Operator losing control on slopes
Tipping due to uneven surfaces
How Certification Helps:
Our program covers terrain awareness, including how to navigate wet, gravel, inclined, or unstable surfaces. With Get Drivers Ed, you learn how to identify hazards and take precautions before you move the forklift.
6. Riding with Passengers or Using Forklifts Improperly
Why This Mistake Happens
Some operators may treat forklifts casually—giving rides to coworkers or using the machine for tasks it wasn't designed for. This might seem harmless, but it's a major safety violation.
What Can Go Wrong:
Passengers falling or getting injured
Forklift instability due to improper weight distribution
Violations of OSHA safety regulations
How Certification Helps:
We educate operators on proper forklift usage, including OSHA regulations that prohibit passengers unless the forklift is designed for it. Our training helps prevent dangerous shortcuts that could result in injuries or citations.
7. Lack of Communication with Other Workers
Why This Mistake Happens
Busy work environments often mean operators are laser-focused on the task at hand, forgetting to communicate movements or intentions.
What Can Go Wrong:
Collisions with pedestrians or other machines
Misunderstandings leading to dropped loads or blocked pathways
Increased risk during shared tasks (loading/unloading trucks, etc.)
How Certification Helps:
Get Drivers Ed teaches operators how to use hand signals, warning horns, eye contact, and clear verbal communication to maintain a safe and organized workplace.
Why Certification Is Worth It—For You and Your Employer
The Big Picture: Avoiding Accidents and Building Careers
Forklift certification isn’t just a checkmark—it’s a career booster and a safety net. Accidents are costly for employers, dangerous for employees, and often preventable. With professional training from Get Drivers Ed, operators gain the knowledge and confidence they need to:
Avoid mistakes that lead to injury or downtime
Comply with OSHA requirements
Improve productivity and professionalism
Earn better job opportunities and trust
Forklift certification is also a way to show employers that you're serious about safety, reliable, and well-trained for tough jobs.
Conclusion: Get Certified, Stay Safe, Work Smarter
From skipping inspections to speeding with a load, the most common forklift mistakes usually come down to lack of training or bad habits. With the right education, these mistakes are entirely avoidable.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide comprehensive forklift certification that equips you with the skills, safety protocols, and confidence to operate professionally and avoid costly errors.
🚧 Ready to become a safer, smarter forklift operator? Enroll in our Forklift Certification Course today and take the next step toward a safer and more successful career.
