Lift truck Truck Training
Operators must undergo training on an industrial-powered forklift, or lift truck in order to receive forklift driver certification. The training program must be specific to the lift truck attachments and type which you would be utilizing on the job. Training should also reflect the environment wherein you would be working. Lift truck safety should be a top priority for both the operator trainee and the trainer.
General Qualifications
Anyone operating a forklift should undergo both training and certification before assuming operator duties. Basic qualifications for driving a forklift include an age of at least 18 years and the physical capacity to control and operate the unit safely.
Pedestrian Safety
The top concern of any forklift operator must be the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of injury or death from getting hit by the machinery or its additions. Pedestrians must always have the right of way, and forklift operators should honk their horns when working near pedestrians or at crosswalks or intersections.
Weather Conditions
Lots of mishaps involving forklifts take place at loading docks. These places become hazardous if rain leaks in through open dock doors making the floor extremely slippery. Wet floor conditions create a danger and operators need to be aware of potential hazards when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Lift truck certification courses include a combination of classroom instruction and practical training tailored to the specific requirements of the workplace. Training should be completed on the forklift type and attachments which will be used by the trainee in the workplace.
Mishaps
On average, there is approximately 100 deaths attributed to forklift accidents, while over 100,000 are injured by forklifts. Most of these accidents could be avoided with proper operator training and attention to safety.