Lift trucks are very dangerous machines. Data by OSHA show that about 100 warehouse workers are killed each year in forklift mishaps while they are using them. 95,000 more workers are hurt on the job every year as well, using these heavy pieces of industrial machines.
Most fatalities have been due to lift truck turnovers. Being crushed between the forklift and another surface is the second highest percentage of fatalities. The next highest cause of fatality is being struck by the lift truck itself and last but not least, getting hit from falling objects because of a dropped load is the last statistic. Every fatality or injury is quite terrible and gruesome because of the immense weight and ability of these machinery.
Who Must Perform the Training?
All assessment and training has to be taught by individuals who have the right training, experience and knowledge to teach powered industrial truck operators the right skills and then to evaluate their competency afterwards. Several examples of a qualified trainer consist of an individual who has a license, professional standing or specialized degree in their possession, or who has extensive training, knowledge and experience utilizing lift trucks. A good candidate has plenty of experience and has shown the capability to assess and teach operators of industrial trucks.
If the employer does not wish to perform the training himself, there are many resources accessible for them to pick from. Like for example, they could hire in local health and safety organizations, like truck manufacturers, the National Safety Council local chapters, or private training consultants who specialize in powered industrial trucks. There are normally local trade and vocational schools that will be really happy to provide some great resources.
The World Wide Web is full of web sites devoted to the safety of forklifts. There are also private companies who provide lift truck safety training services, such as videos and written programs. The majority of safety videos can either be purchased or rented or leased. One important factor to consider is that simply by showing your workers a video or a series of videos about lift truck safety, does not meet the full requirements of the OSHA standard. Subsequent training and knowledge of the new drivers must be conveyed and assessed by a specific method in order to ensure the complete training has been obtained.
Once the driver has successfully passed all of the necessary training, a lift truck license 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 really safe.