As temperatures drop across New York and the Northeast, many companies are gearing up for the challenges winter brings. And while forklifts are built to work hard year-round, cold weather conditions can put extra stress on equipment, operators, and daily operations. Whether your team works indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both, preparing for winter forklift safety is essential to keeping your people productive and your equipment running smoothly.
At T&J, we’ve supported businesses through enough winters to know that a little preparation goes a long way—especially when safety is at stake.
Why Cold Weather Demands Extra Attention
Forklifts don’t love the cold. Batteries lose power faster. Engines take longer to warm up. Tires harden and lose traction. And when you add snow, ice, and limited visibility to the mix, the risk of accidents naturally increases.
Some of the most common cold-weather hazards include:
- Slippery surfaces inside and outside loading areas
- Reduced battery efficiency on electric forklifts
- Longer braking distances due to hardened tires
- Fogged windows and poor visibility
- Cold-stiffened hydraulic fluid affecting lift performance
Addressing these risks early is one of the best ways to protect your operators and your bottom line.
Winter Forklift Safety Tips Every Operation Should Follow
1. Prep Your Forklifts Before the First Frost
Cold weather affects every part of a forklift. Make sure your equipment is winter-ready by inspecting:
- Battery voltage and charge cycles
- Engine coolant and block heaters (for IC forklifts)
- Tire tread and air pressure
- Hydraulic fluid and hoses
- Lights, wipers, and defrosters
If you’re not sure your fleet is fully winter-ready, T&J’s service team can help identify issues before they become costly mid-season breakdowns.
2. Give Forklifts Time to Warm Up
Just like vehicles, forklifts need time to warm up in the cold. Letting the equipment reach optimal operating temperatures:
- Improves lift performance
- Reduces strain on the engine
- Keeps hydraulic systems running smoothly
A quick warm-up routine can prevent equipment failures later in the shift.
3. Keep Floors and Work Areas Clear
Snow and ice are obvious hazards—but melted snow tracked indoors can be just as dangerous. Encourage teams to:
- Lay down absorbent mats in entry points
- Use floor fans and heaters to reduce ice patches
- Salt exterior walkways and loading areas
Good housekeeping is one of the simplest—and most effective—winter safety measures.
4. Encourage Operators to Dress for Safety and Comfort
Forklift operators working in cold environments need proper gear to stay warm without restricting movement or visibility.
Recommended PPE includes:
- Thermal gloves with grip
- Insulated boots with good traction
- Layered, non-bulky clothing
- High-visibility outerwear
- Cold-weather hard hat liners
Operators who are cold or uncomfortable are more likely to rush, slip, or become distracted.
5. Slow Down and Prioritize Visibility
Visibility drops quickly during winter—between darker mornings, early sunsets, snowfall, and fogged-up windshields.
Encourage operators to:
- Clear windows completely before driving
- Use headlights even during daytime
- Reduce speed when entering icy or dark areas
- Avoid sudden turns or stops
A few extra seconds of caution can prevent major accidents.
Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Invest in Forklift Training
Winter often brings staff changes, seasonal help, and increased workload—all of which make proper operator training even more important. And OSHA standards add an important requirement that many companies overlook:
OSHA’s 3-Year Refresher Rule
Operators must complete refresher training at least once every three years, or sooner if:
- They are observed operating unsafely
- They are involved in an incident
- They are assigned to new equipment
- They are moved to an area with different hazards
Training Must Be Completed by the Current Employer
Even if an operator has been trained within the last three years, OSHA requires that their current employer evaluate and certify them.
That means if you’ve recently hired forklift operators—even experienced ones—they must complete refresher training under your company to legally operate a forklift at your facility.
This is an ideal time to get ahead of compliance issues and ensure everyone on your team is certified, confident, and safe.
T&J Forklift Training Programs
T&J offers a full suite of OSHA-compliant training programs designed to make winter operations safer, smoother, and more efficient:
- Hands-on Operator Certification
- Train-the-Trainer Programs
- Refresher Training (including employer-specific evaluations)
- On-site training customized to your facility layout
- Classroom or blended learning options
Our trainers bring real-world industry experience, practical safety instruction, and a proven approach that reduces accidents and downtime.
Stay Safe This Winter. Stay Productive. Stay Prepared.
Winter doesn’t have to slow down your operation. With proper equipment care, cold-weather safety practices, and OSHA-compliant training, your team can stay efficient and accident-free all season long.
To schedule forklift training or refreshers for your operators, T&J is here to help.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
At Thompson & Johnson, we’re your full-service material handling partner. Whether you’re looking to buy forklifts or other equipment, purchase industrial batteries and chargers, find parts for all makes and models, enroll in a planned maintenance program, rent or lease from our wide selection of material handling equipment, or provide comprehensive forklift training for your operators, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today at (800) 589-5558 or via our Contact Us Form to get expert guidance tailored to your operation.
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Operator Training Programs – extend tire life and improve safety with certified training
