Forklift training can help address safety in the workplace since 1.3 accidents are attributed to every forklift operated in the United States. There are currently close to a million of these vehicles, so that means 1.3 million potential accidents. Lift certification can help address these safety concerns and is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These courses may be taken by individual operators or by training an experienced forklift operator to administer training for other employees in a company’s workforce.
Types of Training
There are five types of forklifts that require slightly different training. Three are electric-powered vehicles; the other two machines run on combustion engines. They are classed in Roman numeral terminology – I, II, III, IV, and V. Classes IV and V have internal combustion engines. A safety course is desirable for all operators and provides common sense measures that reduce accidents and enhance workplace safety. OSHA requires employers to administer a forklift training and certification program or face a $7000 fine for each employee operating without proper training.
An outside organization is not required to certify employees, but that means the responsibility falls entirely on the employer. Employer certification grants license to operators to operate a powerful industrial truck. The course must cover the specific type of machinery used in the warehouse or safe outdoor operation. Certifications last three years and must be updated by retraining operators. If new regulations are added, these must be incorporated into the training.
Safety Tips
There are basic safety considerations that should be addressed and exhaustive training will impart a sense of safety consciousness to machinery operators. Some safety tips include the following.
Photo Credit: Flickr workplacesafetyeducation
- The load must be carefully stacked on the lift mechanism and safely secured. The load should be transported close to the ground, reducing the chances of a fall.
- Operators must know their route and understand where there may be visibility issues. Crowded warehouses may have pedestrians and other forklifts loading and unloading simultaneously. Forklift training stresses that safety must be considered whether the forklift is loaded or not.
- Visibility should be maintained at all times. Mirrors should provide adequate views in both directions.
- Loads must be properly centered on the forks or the load could overbalance during transport.
- Designated operators should never allow unauthorized personnel to use their machine.
Formal Training
Formal training will address operation of the specific type of forklift and explore similarities and differences between models. Vehicle maintenance and inspection issues are addressed. Training can be individual instruction, onsite instruction for multiple operators, or can be used to implement an in-house training program. The certificate program provides official certification that an operator is approved to operate forklift equipment.
The operation of a forklift is similar to that of any vehicle, but major differences have significant safety implications. These include traveling at a safe speed, maintaining visibility, assessing the uniformity of terrain, rigging the load for stability and managing the vehicle on inclines and declines. Great peripheral vision is required so those people with impaired vision should not elect to operate this type of equipment.
In-House Forklift Training Programs
Certification kits come with all necessary tools to safely train operators. The programs are available in English or Spanish. Training must include classroom instruction and hands-on training. Attendance sheets must be completed and kept on file. Certificates and wallet cards are issued on completion of training. The employer must observe a final driving test before certification is complete. Trainers must be fully experienced on the appropriate equipment and possess knowledge about the location where operators will work. The kits fulfill all OSHA training requirements.
Job Forklift Safety
Operators are required to perform daily safety inspections and exercise good judgment at all times. Each job should be carefully analyzed before work begins. The weight of the load is assessed and may require several trips to transport safely. Operator aerial training will help employees determine how high materials can be stacked without presenting a danger. Electric forklifts must have at least a one-half charge before any operation is attempted. Heavy loads need a three-quarters full charge. Loads over 90 percent of a forklift’s capacity require a full charge. An improperly charged forklift could be a disaster.
Pre-op inspections reduce the risks of accidents. Knowing the load capacity and charge situation is important, but operators must also be fully versed in the correct use of all levers. Operators should verify the charge capacity and determine that the equipment is functioning properly before each project is begun. Inclines can be dangerous and operators must make adjustments in speed to guard against catastrophic accidents. The forks should be completely situated before they are raised. Forklift training reduces risks and encourages safe practices.
These measures include wearing proper safety equipment and checking the function of controls before beginning a job. Drivers should check to see the horn is working and the steering is operating. The brakes should be tested and operators should ensure that the clutch is in proper working order. The levers must also be tested. Transporting large loads is risky and the equipment must be in good working order.
Overhead electrical power lines are the leading cause of death in forklift accidents. Forklift training must stress that operators be aware of overhead obstacles and clearances that could pose a safety hazard. Good training kits include an operational video and all the materials for proper instruction to meet OSHA guidelines. The danger of these programs is that employers will be complacent about approving certifications. Employers must take their responsibility seriously and employees need to be retrained every three years.