We are sometimes asked if it is legal to use a cell phone on a forklift. While there is no specific regulation on this subject, distracted driving is never good. And WorkSafe BC’s Occupational Health & Safety does say in Section 16.5:
“16.5 Operator’s responsibility – the operator of mobile equipment must operate the equipment safely, maintain full control of the equipment, and comply with the laws governing the operation of the equipment.”
So if you must use a cell phone while on the forklift take sensible precautions – stop what you are doing, put the controls in neutral, put the parking brake on, put your forks and load down, stop in an intelligent place not blocking others, and then and only then answer the phone.