Lift truck Truck Training
In order to be given certification as a forklift operator, you should undergo training on an industrial-powered lift truck, or forklift. The training must be specific to the forklift type and attachments which you will be utilizing on the job site. Training should also reflect the atmosphere in which you would be working. Forklift safety must be a top priority for both the trainer and the operator trainee.
General Credentials
Before assuming any operator duties, all lift truck operators must undergo training and certification. Basic credentials for driving a forklift include an age minimum of 18 years and the physical ability to safely control and operate the unit.
Pedestrian Safety
The safety of pedestrians must be a main concern of any lift truck driver. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of death or injury from getting hit by the equipment or its additions. Pedestrians must always have the right of way, and lift truck drivers must honk their horns when working at crosswalks or intersections or near pedestrians.
Weather Conditions
Forklift mishaps often happen on loading docks. These places become dangerous if rain leaks in through open dock doors making the floor really slippery. Wet floor conditions can lead to a hazard and drivers should be aware of potential hazards when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Certification courses for forklift operators include both practical training and classroom instruction which could be tailored for the particular needs of each work setting. Training must be undertaken on the type of forklift and attachments that will be used by the trainee in the workplace.
Accidents
Each year roughly 100 individuals die in forklift accidents. There are 100,000 forklift injuries reported every year. Nearly all of these accidents could be avoided with attention to safety and correct operator training.