FORKLIFT, HEALTH AND SAFETY (LEGISLATION)

Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. Regulations and Code have general and specific requirements related to the operation of forklifts.

In many instances thr legislation sets out requirements for the safe use of "equipment" or "powered mobile equipment". All forklifts meet the definition of "equipment" and all powered forklifts meet the definition of "powered mobile equipment". Hence requirements relating to "equipment" and "powered mobile equipment" apply to forklift.

Some sections of the legislation applicable to forklifts are simplified and generalized below. For case of understanding, the world "forklift" has been substituted for "equipment" where applicable. Refer to the actual legislation for the complete rules. The legislation can be viewed online at worksafe.alberta.ca or ordered from the Alberta Queen's Printer at qp.alberta.ca.

The OHS Act sets out general duties for employers, worker and suppliers.

• Employers must ensure the health and safety of all workers at a work site. (OHS ACT. SECTION 2)
• Workers must take reasonable case and cooperate with their employer to protect their health and safety, and the health and safety of other workers at a work site. (OHS ACT. SECTION 2)
• Suppliers must ensure that forklifts supplied are in safe operating condition. (OHS ACT. SECTION 2)

OHS Regulation
In accordance with the OHS Regulation

Manufacturer's specifications

Employers must ensure that forklift manufacturer's specifications (which include forklift operation and maintenance manual) are followed and available to workers, and workers must be familiar with the specification (UHS REGULATION SECTION 7) 

Equipment

Forklift must be maintained in a condition that will not compromise the health and safety of workers, and safety perform the functions for which they are intended. (OHS REGULATION, SECTION 12)

Training

Employers must ensure that workers are trained in the safe operation of forklifts that workers are required to operate, and workers must participate in and apply the training. Employers must inform workers of any healt hazards from harmful subtances (such as carbon monocide from internal combustion engine forklifts) that workers may be exposed to and the employer's procedures to protect workers health. Employers must also ensure that workers apply the training. (OHS REGULATION, SECTION 19)