What should be done first when the brakes fail on a forklift?

When the brakes fail on a forklift, the first and most critical action to take is to stop the forklift. This is essential because allowing the forklift to continue moving can lead to serious accidents, injury, or damage. Stopping the forklift helps to prevent any further escalation of the dangerous situation and allows the operator to regain control in order to assess the circumstances and implement a safe stopping strategy.

In this context, other actions may follow, such as calling for assistance or shifting to neutral, but they are not the immediate priority. Accelerating to slow down is particularly dangerous and counterproductive, as it can lead to increased speed and potential loss of control. Therefore, halting the operation of the forklift is the highest priority in the event of a brake failure to ensure safety.