Forklift and Facility Safety Training Materials

Forklifts, usually referred to as powered industrial trucks, are essential equipment used to lift and transport freight in the building industry and various other sectors. Employers must follow formal teaching, hands-on training, and performance reviews to ensure that all operators are forklift certified in accordance with OSHA regulations.

OSHA takes you through the necessary fundamentals of operating a lift truck competently, safely and according to all guidelines. But most people get bogged down in the language and don’t fully understand. That’s why employers look for training and certification programs so their employees can get properly trained.

Warehouse Forklifts

Forklifts can also be known as order pickers or lift trucks. When you need to move a big load that’s too heavy for a Pallet Jack, choose a fork lift. Of course, these come in various sizes so the company can get the right equipment for their work. For those who need a fork lift that will drive over rough terrain, there are also models specifically made for those tasks. With each type, there are training classes available so employees can get certified.

One thing that training gives your employees is confidence. They need to know how to operate the machine and simply knowing how to turn it off and on is not enough. Did you know that the forks should be equally distributed underneath the load? Center the heaviest part of the load close to the front wheels.

Make sure there’s adequate room overhead so a load can be lifted. Too many times, the driver is simply not aware of how much space is needed to lift a load up to the proper shelf. This can lead to damage to the building and the forklift.

OSHA

Training forklift operators is the law now. But smaller companies may feel they don’t have the money for this expense. Yet OSHA’s forklift certification guidelines are difficult to understand. That’s where training programs come in handy.

The operator has a personal responsibility to operate the machine safely. When this doesn’t happen, lawsuits may be filed.

Too often, employees try to play around on a forklift. There are videos online about this and it can seem like a joke—until someone gets injured and a lawsuit is filed. Once the operator is trained and certified, they are accountable for all unsafe acts. Monthly safety meetings can remind employees of the importance of obeying all guidelines and laws.

Employers that obey OSHA guidelines usually lower their risk of forklift accidents. Forklift operators can safely and effectively perform routine duties. Everyone wants to get home securely to their family each day.

Forklift Accessories from Bahrns Equipment

Bahrns Equipment, the parent company of Forklift Accessories, has a long history covering more than 50 years in forklift sales, service, parts, forklift rental, material handling equipment, warehouse supplies, and shipping supplies. Get replacement seats, strobe lights and replacement bulbs for all your forklifts.

Customer satisfaction has always been a top goal for Bahrns. The organization has a reputation for quality, service, and honesty and is now a recognized leader in the numerous industries we work in. We appreciate our customers and the trust you place in us each day.