Exceed Expectations with Continuous Forklift Safety Education

Federal regulations require employers to provide training to forklift operators a minimum of once every three years, or after an accident or near miss.

After training has been completed, some sort of testing and certification process must be implemented. Records must be kept so that the employer can prove they complied with these federal requirements if an accident should occur.

While this is the minimum standard, you can significantly improve safety in your workplace and reduce the risk of accidents that cause property damage, injury, or even death by continually teaching and coaching forklift operators on safe and proper forklift driving techniques.

Forklift Safety — Going Above and Beyond

Education is always a good investment. And in the case of forklift safety, it could even save lives — not to mention save money in damaged property or ruined products.

There are many outside consultants you can hire who can come in and provide training for either individual drivers or your entire fleet of operators all at once. Or, if your budget won’t allow for professional training services, you can simply purchase online training modules.

At the very least, research and download free training videos on YouTube or other streaming video services and incorporate these into your training.

Forklift Safety — What to Include in Safety Training

There is no end to safety subjects that you can feature during forklift training. But important topics to cover should include:

• Using the Hydraulics — Safely lifting and lower loads so that the pallet or payload isn’t spilled or pedestrians aren’t put in danger
• Speed Safety — The appropriate speeds to use on straightaways, in aisles, and especially when coming around blind corners
• Other Vehicles Awareness — Following other operators at a safe distance and giving them room to maneuver to avoid a collision
• Stabilizing Loads — Making sure pallets and other loads aren’t going to fall off the forks while moving or standing still
• Pre- and Post-Shift Inspections — The proper way to inspect a forklift before and after use and what to look for
• Advanced Driving Techniques — Driving up and down ramps, in various weather conditions, and over rough terrain

Forklift Safety — Presentation and Frequency

Covering a variety of subjects over a period of time keeps the forklift material fresh and interesting so that training is something drivers actually look forward to rather than dread.

Training can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Training can take place during pre-shift meetings or during special work stand-downs.

Doing the bare minimum to meet federal regulations may meet the legal obligations. But providing continual forklift safety education will make your business a safer place for everybody.