Which of the following is a key safety principle while operating a forklift?

Always looking in the direction of travel is an essential safety principle when operating a forklift. This practice ensures that the operator is aware of the surroundings and any potential hazards that may be present. By maintaining visual awareness, the forklift operator can better anticipate obstacles, pedestrians, and changes in the environment, reducing the risk of accidents.

In contrast, navigating through crowds quickly could lead to serious accidents, as it increases the likelihood of colliding with people or objects. Using the horn continuously may desensitize others to the warning sound, reducing its effectiveness. Lifting loads beyond the rated capacity poses a significant risk of tipping over the forklift or causing the load to fall, endangering both the operator and nearby workers. Thus, focusing on looking in the direction of travel reinforces the importance of situational awareness and safety in the operation of forklifts.