When Parking Or Leaving The Forklift, What You Should Do?

“When parking or leaving the forklift, what should the operator do?”

This question pops up all the time on written tests during forklift training, and for good reason. Leaving a forklift the wrong way can create some serious hazards. So knowing the right steps isn’t just about passing the test—it’s about keeping everyone safe.

Whether you’re taking a quick break, ending your shift, or stepping away for just a minute, there are specific things you need to do before leaving the forklift alone.

This quick guide breaks down the basics so you know exactly what to do. If you’re new to forklifts, don’t worry—these steps are simple, and they’ll help you keep yourself and the people around you safe.

But First, What Does “Unattended” Actually Mean?

Before we talk about what to do when leaving a forklift, let’s clear up what “unattended” really means. A lot of people get this one wrong, and it almost always shows up on written tests.

According to OSHA, a forklift is considered unattended when:

• The operator walks more than 25 feet away from the forklift even if they can still see it, OR
• The operator moves far enough away that they can’t see the forklift at all

So it’s not just about stepping away for a second. If you’re far from the forklift or you can’t keep your eyes on it, OSHA counts it as unattended.

Why does this matter?
Because an improperly parked forklift can be a major hazard. If it’s left in the wrong place—like blocking a walkway, sitting in a busy aisle, or parked with the forks still raised—it can cause accidents, damage equipment, or trip up other workers.

In short:
If you leave the forklift where you can't control it or keep an eye on it, OSHA says it’s unattended, and that means you must follow specific safety steps before walking away.

OSHA Rules for Parking vs. Leaving a Forklift Unattended

Scenarios That Explain When a Forklift Is Considered “Unattended”

🔹 Scenario 1: The “Quick Break” That Isn’t Quick

You’re operating a forklift in a warehouse and decide to grab a drink from the break room.
The break room is 30 feet away, and even though you can mostly see the forklift through a doorway, you’re clearly not close enough to control it.

➡️ OSHA says this forklift is now unattended.

If you didn’t lower the forks or set the brake, someone could trip over the raised forks, or another operator might not see the truck sticking out into the aisle.

🔹 Scenario 2: Turning Your Back for “Just a Second”

You hop off the forklift to help a coworker read a label on a pallet.
You take a few steps away and now your back is turned, and a stack of boxes blocks your view.

➡️ Even if you're only 10 feet away, the forklift counts as unattended because you can’t see it.

If the forklift rolls or someone else bumps into it, you have no control over what happens next.

🔹 Scenario 3: Parking in the Wrong Spot

You leave the forklift in the middle of a busy aisle because you think you'll be right back.
Then your supervisor calls you over, and you walk across the warehouse floor.

Now:

• You’re too far away
• You can’t see the forklift
• It’s blocking traffic

➡️ That forklift is definitely unattended AND improperly parked.

Pedestrians might not see the raised forks, and other forklifts could collide with it.

🔹 Scenario 4: Leaving the Forks Up

You step away for a moment to scan a barcode or grab paperwork, but you leave the forks halfway up.

Even if you’re still nearby, raised forks are dangerous because:

• Someone could walk into them
• A pallet jack operator might not see them
• Another forklift could snag them turning a corner

➡️ OSHA treats this as unsafe, even if the forklift isn’t fully unattended.

🔹 Scenario 5: Outdoor Jobsite Example

You’re working on a construction site and walk over to talk to the foreman about the next load.
The forklift is behind you near a slope, and you’re out of sight.

A strong gust of wind or slight movement could cause:

• The forklift to roll
• The forks to shift
• Materials to fall

➡️ Since you can’t see the truck, it’s officially unattended, and the site now has a hazard sitting out in the open.

🔹 Scenario 6: “I’m Just Opening the Door”

You hop off to open a dock door.
The door is 15–20 feet away, but once you reach behind the wall, the forklift is no longer in your view.

➡️ Even small moments like this count as unattended.

If another worker passes by and accidentally hits the controls or trips over the forks, you’re not close enough to prevent anything.

What Are The Precautions To Leaving a Forklift Unattended

• Park or leave your forklift in a safe area away from traffic
  
  The company premises should have a designated place where operators can park their forklifts. This place should not block any pathway where most pedestrians walk through and it should not obstruct any exit or entrance of the workplace.
  
  Never leave the forklift in walkways, in front of fireboxes, in front of emergency areas and eyewash stations. You will never know when accidents will happen and these facilities should be clear from any obstruction.
  
  
• Lower the forks until they are flat on the floor
  
  Lower the forks to the floor when parking the forklift. Make sure that the forks touch the ground when you are leaving. Apply the parking brake when it is in an idle position.
  
  Set the parking brake and set the directional control to neutral
  
  All operational controls of the truck must be in the neutral position before the driver alight the forklift compartment. The emergency brake of the vehicle should be engaged so that it would be firmly resting on its position.
  
  
• Turn off the engine and the key should be removed
  
  Whether you will be away for several minutes or if you are going for lunch or in case you will be away for an hour so, turning off the engine is good practice when the truck is idle for some time.
  
  Aside from turning off the engine, and you know you will be away for a longer period, removing the key from the ignition and handing it over to your shift supervisor in case someone wants it to be used during that period is good practice as well.
  
  
• Turn off all electrical systems:
  
  This means you should shut down everything electrical on the forklift, like the lights or any other systems that use power. Doing this helps save energy, so you're not wasting electricity when the forklift isn't being used. It also helps prevent any electrical problems that could happen if things were left on, especially when nobody is around to keep an eye on them.
  
  
• Remove any personal belongings:
  
  If you've got your own tools, lunch box, or any other personal items with you on the forklift, take them with you when you leave. This keeps your stuff safe and also makes sure the forklift is clear of any objects that could fall off and cause accidents or get lost.
  
  Check for any damage or defects:
  
  Before you walk away, take a quick look around and on the forklift for any damage or anything that seems off. If you find something wrong, like a loose part or a leak, make sure to tell someone who can take care of it, like your supervisor or the maintenance team. This helps fix small problems before they turn into big ones.
  
  
• Lock the forklift, if required:
  
  In some places, you might need to lock the forklift when you're not using it. This could be for safety reasons or to prevent unauthorized use. If that's the case, make sure you lock it up properly. This could mean using a key, a padlock, or whatever system your workplace uses.
  
  
• Place a "do not operate" sign on the forklift, if necessary:
  
  If the forklift needs to be fixed or it's not safe to use, you should put a "do not operate" sign on it. This is a clear way to tell everyone else not to use the forklift until it's been checked and repaired. It's a crucial step for preventing accidents and making sure everyone stays safe.

By following these steps, you help make sure the forklift is safe when you're not using it and ready for the next person. It's all about taking care of the equipment and looking out for the safety of yourself and others.

Just a Reminder

Forklifts are a huge help in any business that deals with heavy lifting or moving materials. But when they’re not used the right way, they can quickly turn into a serious safety problem that slows everything down.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure anyone driving a forklift is properly trained and qualified. Forklift operation isn’t something you just “figure out,” and it’s definitely not the same as driving a regular car. Just because someone can drive a sedan doesn’t mean they can hop on a forklift and handle it safely.

A forklift may move slowly, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a heavy machine, and that weight alone can cause major injuries or damage if operated by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing—whether that’s the operator or the people working nearby.

The only way to become a qualified forklift operator is through proper training and certification from a qualified instructor. You can get certified through a company-sponsored program or by signing up for a forklift driving course at a reputable training school. Either way, training is a must if you want to operate a forklift safely and confidently.

When a Forklift Must Be Shut Down vs. When It Can Stay Running

Remove the Key When Leaving Your Forklift Unattended

Removing the key when leaving your forklift unattended is a critical safety measure for several reasons. First, it prevents unauthorized use of the forklift. Forklifts are powerful machines that require trained operators to handle them safely. If someone without the proper training or authorization were to start and use the forklift, it could lead to accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Secondly, removing the key helps ensure that the forklift remains where you left it. This is important for maintaining a safe and organized work environment, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic. An unattended forklift that's accidentally set in motion can become a significant hazard.

Additionally, removing the key and securing the forklift is part of compliance with workplace safety regulations in many jurisdictions. Such practices are often mandated by occupational safety and health administrations, including OSHA in the United States, to minimize workplace accidents and injuries.

Why Forklifts Get Left Unattended (and Why It Matters)

There are plenty of everyday situations where a forklift ends up left unattended. It’s normal, it happens in every warehouse, but the key is knowing why it happens and how to do it safely. Here are some common reasons:

1. Breaks or Lunch

Forklift operators need breaks too—coffee runs, restroom breaks, lunch, hydration, etc. During those moments, the forklift is naturally left behind.

Why it matters:
Even if you're only stepping away “for a minute,” OSHA still considers the forklift unattended if you’re far enough away or can’t see it.

2. Maintenance or Repairs

Sometimes the forklift starts acting weird—strange noises, hydraulic issues, warning lights—or it simply needs scheduled maintenance. When that happens, operators park it and call the maintenance team.

Why it matters:
A forklift awaiting repair shouldn’t be moved or used, so it’s often left parked until a technician arrives.

3. Loading or Unloading Tasks

During loading or unloading, operators may have to step away to stabilize a load, grab paperwork, check shipping labels, secure pallets, or assist coworkers.

Why it matters:
These tasks might be quick, but even short moments count as the forklift being unattended if the operator is out of view.

4. Shift Changes

When one operator’s shift ends and the next person hasn’t taken over yet, the forklift might sit idle for a few minutes.

Why it matters:
This transition period is common, but the forklift still needs to be parked safely with forks down and brakes set.

5. End of the Workday

At the end of the day, forklifts are parked and left until the next shift or the next morning.

Why it matters:
Proper shutdown procedures (lower forks, neutral, brake, key removed) are critical because nobody will be monitoring the forklift for hours.

6. Operator Assigned Multiple Tasks

In some warehouses, operators don’t only drive forklifts—they also check inventory, scan barcodes, help customers, or move between departments.

Why it matters:
Every time they switch tasks, the forklift may be briefly left on its own.

7. Emergency Situations

Sometimes an operator has to step away quickly—maybe someone got injured, a spill occurred, or a supervisor called them urgently.

Why it matters:
Even in emergencies, a forklift left running or with raised forks can become its own safety hazard.

Why All This Is Important

No matter why the forklift is left unattended, the operator still has a responsibility to make sure it’s safe before stepping away. That means:

• Lowering the forks
• Setting the parking brake
• Turning off the engine
• Removing the key
• Making sure it’s in a designated safe area

Following proper procedures protects coworkers, other equipment, and the forklift itself from accidents or damage.

Where Should You Not Park a Forklift? 

Parking a forklift might seem simple, but doing it in the wrong place can create serious safety hazards. OSHA requires forklifts to be parked only in safe, designated areas—because one bad parking spot can lead to injuries, blocked emergency routes, or even equipment damage.

Here’s where you should never park a forklift, along with why each spot is dangerous:

🚫 1. In pedestrian walkways or areas with heavy foot traffic

Forklifts parked in walkways create blind spots, trip hazards, and confusion. People might not notice a low forklift or forks sticking out, which can lead to injuries.

Why it’s unsafe:
Raised forks are almost invisible from certain angles, and even a parked forklift can cause someone to trip or walk into it.

🚫 2. In front of fire exits or blocking emergency routes

This is a major OSHA violation. Blocking emergency exits can delay evacuation during fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.

Why it’s unsafe:
People need to move fast during emergencies—anything that blocks their path is a life-safety hazard.

🚫 3. In narrow aisles or tight spaces

Narrow aisles are meant for movement. A parked forklift can block the flow of operations or make it impossible for other forklifts to turn or pass.

Why it’s unsafe:
Other operators may hit the forklift while trying to squeeze by, causing collisions and product damage.

🚫 4. Near flammable materials, sparks, or open flames

Forklifts—especially internal combustion (propane/diesel/gasoline)—have hot engine parts that can ignite flammable vapors.

Why it’s unsafe:
A forklift parked too close to flammable goods can turn a small mistake into an explosion or warehouse fire.

🚫 5. Where it blocks other equipment or vehicles

Forklifts, pallet jacks, delivery trucks, and other machinery need clear paths.

Why it’s unsafe:
A parked forklift can cause congestion or force other drivers into unsafe shortcuts.

🚫 6. On inclines, ramps, slopes, or uneven surfaces

Never park on a slope—OSHA specifically warns against this because forklifts can roll, shift, or tip over even with the brake engaged.

Why it’s unsafe:
A forklift weighs several tons. If it starts rolling, there's no stopping it.

🚫 7. On the edge of loading docks

Parking too close to the edge of a dock is extremely dangerous.

Why it’s unsafe:
The forklift can roll forward or backward and fall off the dock—causing serious injury and major damage.

🚫 8. Under low-hanging pipes, beams, racks, or other overhead structures

Parking under low overhead clearance can damage the forklift mast or the structure above it.

Why it’s unsafe:
FORWARD or UPWARD mast movement after parking could hit overhead objects, causing collapses or equipment damage.

🚫 9. Anywhere that isn’t a designated parking area

Most warehouses have marked parking zones for forklifts. Keeping forklifts in those areas helps maintain predictable traffic patterns.

Why it’s unsafe:
Unexpectedly parked forklifts cause confusion, reduce visibility, and increase accident risks.

To keep the workplace safe and OSHA-compliant, always park a forklift in a designated, level, clear, and safe area. And remember:

• Lower the forks to the ground
• Set the parking brake
• Turn the forklift off (unless procedures require otherwise)
• Remove the key if leaving it unattended

Safe parking protects other workers, prevents equipment damage, and keeps the whole operation running smoothly.

What Should You Do If You Have to Leave Your Forklift While It’s Still Running?

Sometimes you need to step away from your forklift for a moment—but leaving it running can be risky if you don’t handle it the right way. A running forklift with no operator is basically an accident waiting to happen, so you’ve got to take a few quick safety steps before walking off.

First, make sure you’re in a safe spot—somewhere away from traffic, busy aisles, or other equipment moving around. Then:

• Set the parking brake so the forklift doesn’t roll or shift.
• Lower the forks all the way down to prevent trips, bumps, or someone walking into them.
• Check the area to make sure no pedestrians or vehicles are nearby.

These simple steps help keep everyone safe, even while you’re not at the controls.

Also think about what’s around you. Leaving a running forklift near flammable materials, slopes, or crowded areas is a bad idea. If you really must keep it running, make sure nobody else can hop on and use it—restrict access so no one messes with the controls.

And here’s a good habit: let someone know you’re stepping away. Telling a coworker or supervisor gives you an extra set of eyes on the forklift while you’re gone.

The goal is simple—keep things safe, avoid accidents, and make sure your forklift is in a secure spot until you get back.

Final Thoughts

Forklifts are incredibly useful—they make warehouse work faster, easier, and way more efficient. But even though they’re great tools, they can become dangerous really quickly if they’re parked or left in the wrong spot.

An unattended forklift can damage property, cause injuries, or even lead to serious accidents, especially if someone untrained tries to move it. That’s why it’s so important for operators to follow the proper steps when parking or leaving a forklift, just like we talked about above.

Leaving a forklift in an undesignated area isn’t just bad practice—it’s a real safety risk. So always follow the right procedures, use safe parking habits, and make sure the forklift is secured before walking away.

A few simple steps can make a huge difference in keeping everyone safe.