There are many different types of lift trucks and their areas of use vary greatly, both between different types of lift trucks and between companies and organisations using the same type of lift truck. The risks associated with lift trucks therefore vary from workplace to workplace.

There are many work accidents involving lift trucks

The lift truck is the type of machine most frequently involved in work accidents. The most common injuries are foot injuries. The injuries are mainly caused by pedestrian-operated lift trucks and smaller rider-operated lift trucks.

Injuries due to operator loss of control are common

The most common cause of injury is the operator losing control of the lift truck in various ways, such as colliding with objects or other lift trucks, overturning, hitting people or dropping their load. This can be due to a lack of organisation or the operator not using the lift truck correctly.

A common accident is when the operator sprains their ankle when getting on or off a lift truck. It is also common for the operator of a lift truck with a standing platform to drive into something. Instinctively, the operator then extends one foot to brake, resulting in crushed feet and legs.

Strain injuries due to repetitive work

Strain injuries, especially to the neck, shoulders and back, are common. The work of lift truck operators is often repetitive, for example due to repeated strain on the neck and back when picking up or placing goods in high pallet racks.

The employer is responsible for the risks associated with lift trucks

As an employer, you are responsible for reducing the risks associated with lift trucks, just as you are responsible for the entire work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act and other work environment regulations.

Regulations for working with lift trucks

There are specific regulations for working with lift trucks. The Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions state, among other things, that

• the employer must systematically investigate and risk assess the use of lift trucks
• the employer is responsible for ensuring that lift truck operators have sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge and that this knowledge is documented
• lift truck operators must have written permits to operate a lift truck
• lift trucks may only be used in suitable environments
• visibility must be satisfactory
• lift truck traffic must be separated from pedestrians whenever possible
• truck beds and similar must be secured before an operator drives a lift truck onto the them
• anyone operating a lift truck must wear a seat belt, if fitted.

What are the rules for - what is a lift truck?

The definition of a lift truck in the provisions is ‘self-propelled work equipment designed to lift, lower and carry goods within a limited area by means of forks or other lifting devices with a similar function and primarily intented for use on flat and hard surfaces’.

• 'Self-propelled work equipment' means equipment that is propelled by some form of mechanical power.
• Examples of “lifting devices with similar function” are clamping attachments and spreaders.

Common examples of lift trucks covered by the regulations are

• counterbalance forklifts
• reach trucks
• powered pallet trucks
• order pickers

According to the definition, telescopic handlers are also considered lift trucks provided they are intended for use in limited areas with primarily flat and hard surfaces. Telescopic handlers are trucks with variable reach.

These are not considered lift trucks according to the regulations:

• tow tractors or platform trucks
• terminal tractors
• rough-terrain forklifts, such as many telescopic handlers

However, under certain conditions, the provisions may also apply to mobile machines other than those considered to be lift trucks according to the definition, for example rough-terrain trucks and wheel loaders. These are often used in goods handling, such as loading and unloading vehicles. Such handling is similar to lift truck use, and such machines are therefore covered by the lift truck provisions when used on flat and hard surfaces for normal lift truck operations in industrial activities and goods distribution.