Forklifts are very dangerous piece of machinery. Data by OSHA prove that around 100 warehouse workers are killed each year in forklift accidents while they are operating them. 95,000 more employees are injured on the job every year too, using these heavy pieces of industrial equipment.
Sadly, most of the fatalities are due to forklift turnovers. The next 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 forklift itself and last of all, getting hit from falling things due to a dropped load is the last statistic. Each fatality or injury is quite gruesome and terrible due to the capability and immense weight of these equipment.
Who Must Conduct the Training?
All evaluation and training needs to be taught by individuals who have the correct training, knowledge and experience to train powered industrial truck operators the correct skills and then to evaluate their competence after that. Several examples of a qualified trainer include an individual who has a license, specialized degree or professional status in their possession, or somebody who has extensive training, experience and knowledge using forklifts. A good candidate has a lot of experience and has demonstrated the capability to train and evaluate industrial truck operators.
If the employer does not wish to perform the training himself, there are many resources available for them to select from. Like for instance, they can 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 often local trade and vocational schools which will be really glad to provide several great resources.
The internet is full of websites dedicated to the safety of forklifts. There are also private businesses that provide forklift safety training services, such as videos and written programs. Nearly all safety videos could either be bought or leased or rented. One very essential factor to think about is that simply by showing your employees a video or a series of videos 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 specific method in order to make certain that the complete training has been acquired.
When drivers have passed their training requirements, they will receive a lift truck license that allows them to drive a lift truck. Valid lift truck licenses are a requirement by organizations so as to keep everyone at the workplace as safe as possible.