Forklifts are very dangerous machines. Data by OSHA show that approximately 100 warehouse employees are killed every year in forklift accidents while they are using them. 95,000 more employees are hurt on the job each and every year too, utilizing these heavy pieces of industrial machines.
Sadly, nearly all of the fatalities are due to forklift turnovers. The second highest percentage of fatalities is due to being crushed between a forklift and another surface. The next highest cause of fatality is being struck by the forklift itself and lastly, getting hit from falling things due to a dropped load is the last statistic. Each and every injury or death is quite frightening and terrible because of the ability and immense weight of these equipment.
Who Should Conduct the Training?
All assessment and training has to be taught by people who have the correct training, experience and knowledge to train powered industrial truck operators the correct skills and then to assess their competence after that. Several examples of a qualified trainer consist of a person who has a license, certified degree or professional standing in their possession, or somebody who has extensive training, knowledge and experience using lift trucks. A good candidate has plenty of practice and has shown the capability to evaluate and teach industrial truck operators.
If the employer does not wish to perform the training himself, there are many resources available for them to pick from. Like for instance, they could hire in local health and safety organizations, including the National Safety Council local chapters, truck manufacturers, or private teaching consultants who specialize in powered industrial trucks. There are normally local trade and vocational schools which would be glad to provide some great resources.
The internet is full of web sites dedicated to the safety of lift trucks. There are also private businesses who offer forklift safety training services, like written programs and videos. The majority of safety videos can either be bought or leased or rented. One essential factor to take into consideration is that simply by showing your workers a series of videos or a video about lift truck safety, does not meet the full requirements of the OSHA standard. Succeeding training and knowledge of the new drivers must be conveyed and evaluated by a particular method so as to ensure the full training has been obtained.
Once operators have passed their training requirements, they will be given a forklift license which permits them to drive a lift truck. Valid lift truck certificates are a requirement by organizations so as to keep everybody at the workplace very safe.