Forklift Truck Training
You should be trained on a forklift or an industrial-powered lift truck prior to becoming a qualified operator. This particular type of training is usually tailored to the specific type of machine, individual facility and any machine attachments to be used by the operator. It is very essential to have safety foremost on the mind of the trainee or the trainer.
General Qualifications
For individuals who would like to operate a forklift, they need to be at least 18 years old and have the physical ability to safely control and operate the kind of equipment they are training for. Before assuming any operator duties, all operators need to be correctly certified.
Pedestrian Safety
One of the most common kinds of forklift related injuries happens when a pedestrian is struck by the machine. Forklift operators are required to always yield to pedestrians and utilize their horns when nearing any intersection, crosswalk or pedestrian area.
Weather Conditions
Loading docks are amongst the most dangerous places to operate a forklift. When rain filters in through open dock doors, the floor can become very hazardous and slippery. It is very important that forklift operators take these situations into consideration when operating in these kinds of environments.
Certification
Both hands-on exercises and classroom instructions should be completed in order to become a certified forklift operator. This particular type of training can be adjusted in order to suit the requirements of each type of workplace; for example, incorporating the various attachments that would be used on that job site and every specific type of equipment.
Accidents
On a yearly basis, approximately 100 individuals are killed due to accidents related to using forklifts. Furthermore, there are around 100,000 who are injured. With safe operation of the machines and correct forklift training, most of these injuries can be avoided all together.