Workplace safety has been a point of emphasis for many businesses over the last several years. June 9th, 2015 marks the second annual National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD). NFSD serves as a focal point for manufactures and dealers to highlight the safe use of forklifts and the importance of operator training, regardless of experience levels. NFSD also provides an opportunity for the industry to educate customers, policymakers and the administration on forklift operating safety practices and guidelines. Review our check sheet below to make sure you know the facts and what’s required by law to be in your training program.
Operator Training: It’s the Law. OSHA Regulation: 29CFR1910.178(I)
- The Employer
- Must train
- Must evaluate
- Must certify
- Must re-train when:
- Accident
- Near miss
- Observed unsafe behavior
- Change in equipment or operating conditions
- Must re-evaluate every 3 years
- Why Operator Safety Training?
- 70% of all industrial accidents are caused by operator error (National Safety Council).
- Effective training may reduce accident rates by 25-30% (OSHA).
- Following forklift operator training, OSHA found a 61% improvement in operator performance scores (OSHA).
- No Underage Operators
- Fair Labor Standards Act regulations prohibit people under 18 years old from operating
forklifts in non-agricultural settings. - Minimum age for agriculture is 16 years.
- Fair Labor Standards Act regulations prohibit people under 18 years old from operating
Training Program
- Fundamentals
- Know your forklift
- Know your application
- Stay alert
- Anticipate danger
- Forklift-Specific Training Topics
- Warnings, instructions
- Differences from automobile
- Controls, instruments
- Engine, motor
- Steering, maneuvering
- Visibility
- Forks, attachments
- Capacity
- Stability
- Inspection, maintenance
- Refueling, recharging
- Operating limits
- Operator’s manual
- Workplace-Specific Training Topics
- Surface conditions
- Load composition and stability
- Pedestrian traffic
- Narrow aisles, restricted places
- Hazerdous locations
- Ramps, sloped surfaces
- Closed environments, ventilation
- Other unique potential hazards
Fallsway has a variety of training programs available to meet these OSHA mandated training regulations. Every customer is unique and so it’s important for us to hear your specific training needs. We can then develop or tailor a training package to meet your company’s needs. Whether it’s a full blown training course or just a refresher, Fallsway has you covered.