Forklifts are really dangerous machines. Data by OSHA prove that approximately 100 warehouse employees are killed each and every year in forklift accidents while they are operating them. 95,000 more workers are hurt on the job on an annual basis too, utilizing these heavy pieces of industrial machines.
Unfortunately, nearly all of the fatalities are due to forklift turnovers. The second highest percentage of fatalities is due to being crushed between a lift truck and another surface. The next highest cause of fatality is being struck by the lift truck itself and lastly, getting hit from falling things due to a dropped load is the last statistic. Every fatality or injury is quite frightening and awful because of the ability and immense weight of these machines.
Who Must Perform the Training?
All training and evaluation for lift truck operation needs to be trained by correctly trained instructors. These trainers should have the knowledge and experience to train potential operators the necessary skills to evaluate their competency afterwards. Some examples of a qualified trainer include an individual who has a certificate, professional standing or certified degree in their possession, or who has extensive training, knowledge and experience with forklifts. A good candidate has a lot of practice and has demonstrated the ability to assess and train industrial truck operators.
If the employer does not wish to perform the training himself, there are many resources available for them to choose from. Like for instance, they could hire in local health and safety organizations, like the National Safety Council local chapters, truck manufacturers, or private training consultants who specialize in powered industrial trucks. There are often local vocational and trade schools which will be very happy to provide some great resources.
The internet is full of sites dedicated to the safety of forklifts. There are also private businesses that offer forklift safety training services, such as written programs and videos. Nearly all safety videos could either be leased or rented or purchased. One important factor to think about 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 skill of the new drivers needs to be conveyed and evaluated by a particular way so as to ensure the complete training has been obtained.
When the driver has successfully passed all of the required training, a forklift certificate will be issued and they will legally be able to drive a lift truck. Valid forklift licenses are a requirement by organizations so as to keep everyone at the workplace as safe as possible.