Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

What is the recommended action if a forklift starts to tip over?

1. Jump out to safety

2. Hold on and lean away from the direction of the tip

3. Try to steer the forklift

4. Apply the brakes immediately

The correct answer is: Hold on and lean away from the direction of the tip

When a forklift starts to tip over, the recommended action is to hold on and lean away from the direction of the tip. This response is essential for safety because jumping out of the forklift can expose the operator to severe injury due to falling or being crushed by the equipment. Holding onto the steering wheel ensures that the operator maintains control, securing their position in the cab as the vehicle tips. Leaning away from the direction of the tip helps to reduce the risk of injury from the potential crush zone that could occur if the forklift lands on its side. Engaging the steering wheel and repositioning the body reduces the chance of serious injury while allowing for a safer outcome during such an unstable situation. This method takes into account the physics of the incident, as the operator is positioned to avoid being directly under the machine as it falls or rolls. Such safety measures are critical in preventing accidents and are part of the training that forklift operators should undergo to manage hazardous situations effectively.