Lift truck Truck Training
Operators must undergo training on an industrial-powered forklift, or lift truck to receive forklift operator certification. The training program must be specific to the lift truck attachments and type which you would be utilizing on the job location. Training must also reflect the atmosphere wherein you will be working. Lift truck safety should be a top priority for both the operator trainee and the trainer.
General Qualifications
Anybody using a lift truck should undergo training and certification before assuming operator duties. Basic qualifications for utilizing a forklift include an age minimum of 18 years and the physical ability to operate and control the unit safely.
Pedestrian Safety
The top concern of any forklift driver should be the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of injury or death from getting hit by the equipment or its attachments. Pedestrians must always have the right of way, and forklift drivers must honk their horns when working at crosswalks or intersections or near pedestrians.
Weather Conditions
Lift truck accidents usually occur on loading docks. These places become dangerous if rain leaks in through open dock doors resulting in a very slippery floor. Wet floor conditions can result in a danger and operators need to be aware of potential hazards when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Certification programs for lift truck operators include both practical training and classroom instruction that can be tailored for the particular needs of each work environment. Training must be undertaken on the forklift type and attachments that would be utilized by the trainee in the workplace.
Accidents
Every year roughly 100 people die in forklift accidents. There are 100,000 forklift injuries reported each and every year. Most of these accidents can be avoided with proper operator training and attention to safety.