Forklifts are very dangerous machines. Statistics by OSHA show that about 100 warehouse employees are killed every year in lift truck accidents while they are utilizing them. An extra 95,000 workers are injured on the job each year as well, utilizing these heavy pieces of industrial equipment.
Most fatalities have been because of lift truck turnovers. Being crushed between the forklift and another surface is the next highest percentage of fatalities. The next highest cause of death is being struck by the lift truck itself and last but not least, getting hit from falling things due to a dropped load is the last statistic. Each and every injury or fatality is quite frightening and awful because of the capability and immense weight of these equipment.
Who Must Conduct the Training?
All assessment and training needs to be taught by individuals who have the correct training, experience and knowledge to teach powered industrial truck operators the right skills and then to evaluate their competence after that. Several examples of a qualified trainer consist of an individual who has a certificate, professional standing or certified degree in their possession, or who has extensive training, experience and knowledge with forklifts. A good candidate has plenty 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 numerous resources available for them to choose from. Like for example, they can hire in local health and safety organizations, including truck manufacturers, the National Safety Council local chapters, or private teaching consultants who specialize in powered industrial trucks. There are often local trade and vocational schools that will be happy to offer several great resources.
There are lots of web sites on the Internet who are devoted to lift truck safety. Private businesses could be found online which offer lift truck safety training services, like videos and written programs. Most safety videos can either be rented or leased or purchased. One essential thing to think about is that simply by showing your employees a series of videos or a video about forklift 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 specific method in order to ensure the complete training has been acquired.
Once the driver has successfully passed all of the necessary training, a lift truck certificate will be given and they would legally be able to operate a forklift. Valid forklift certificates are a requirement by organizations so as to keep everyone at the workplace as safe as possible.