Australian Forklift Training advise forklift operators to travel in reverse, if they have any large load that obscures their vision. The safest way to travel with a forklift is always the way in which the operator has the clearest vision.
In case of carrying large loads, operators only have two safe options: they have to either travel in reverse or use a guide.
Operators should avoid travelling forwards with loads that obscure their vision and also moving in a zigzag manner from side to side to get a glimpse of what is ahead. Laziness and complacency are usually the main courses of an operator being silly enough to attempt driving forwards without a clear view.
It is important that operators have a good understanding of a company’s procedure for carrying large loads so that unnecessary accidents can be prevented.