What is the purpose of the horn on a forklift?

The purpose of the horn on a forklift is to warn pedestrians and other operators of movement. Forklifts are often operated in environments where visibility can be limited, and there may be other workers, pedestrians, or obstacles nearby. The horn serves a critical safety function by providing an audible alert that signifies the forklift is in motion or is about to maneuver. This is particularly important in busy work environments such as warehouses or construction sites, where recognizing the potential danger of heavy machinery is essential for maintaining a safe atmosphere. Sounding the horn allows those in the vicinity to be aware of the forklift's presence and actions, thereby helping to prevent accidents and injuries.

While signaling break times, indicating maintenance needs, or alerting other machinery can be relevant in different contexts, they do not reflect the primary safety function that the horn serves in everyday forklift operation.