Forklifts are extremely dangerous machines. Data by OSHA prove that roughly 100 warehouse workers are killed each year in lift truck mishaps while they are using them. 95,000 more workers are hurt on the job on a yearly basis too, using these heavy pieces of industrial equipment.
Unfortunately, most of the fatalities are because of lift truck turnovers. The second highest percentage of fatalities is due to being crushed between a forklift and another surface. The next highest cause of death is being struck by the lift truck itself and last of all, getting hit from falling items because of a dropped load is the last statistic. Each and every fatality or injury is quite gruesome and terrible due to the ability and immense weight of these machinery.
Who Should Conduct the Training?
All assessment and training has to be taught by individuals who have the proper training, knowledge and experience to train powered industrial truck drivers the correct skills and then to evaluate their competency afterwards. Several examples of a qualified trainer include an individual who has a certificate, specialized degree or professional standing in their possession, or somebody who has extensive training, knowledge and experience utilizing lift trucks. A good candidate has a lot of practice and has shown the ability to teach and evaluate operators of industrial trucks.
If the employer does not want to perform the training himself, there are numerous resources accessible for them to select from. Like for example, they can employ in local health and safety organizations, like for example 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 will be happy to provide several great resources.
There are numerous web sites on the World Wide Web which are dedicated to lift truck safety. Private companies can be found online that offer forklift safety training services, like videos and written programs. Nearly all safety videos can either be purchased or leased or rented. One vital thing to consider is that simply by showing your workers a video or a series of videos about forklift safety, does not meet the full requirements of the OSHA standard. Subsequent training and skill of the new operators should be conveyed and evaluated by a specific way in order to make sure that the complete training has been obtained.
Once drivers have passed their training requirements, they will be given a lift truck license which allows them to drive a lift truck. Valid lift truck certificates are a requirement by organizations so as to keep everyone at the workplace as safe as possible.