Lift truck Truck Training Program
Operators need to undergo training on an industrial-powered lift truck, or forklift to be given forklift driver certification. The training course must be specific to the forklift attachments and type that you would be utilizing on the job. Training should also reflect the environment in which you would be working. Lift truck safety should be a main concern for both the operator trainee and the trainer.
General Qualifications
Before assuming any operator duties, all forklift operators should undergo both certification and training. Basic credentials for driving a lift truck include an age minimum of 18 years and the physical ability to safely operate and control the unit.
Pedestrian Safety
The top concern of any forklift operator should be the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of death or injury from getting hit by the equipment or its attachments. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and forklift operators must honk their horns when working at intersections or crosswalks or near pedestrians.
Weather Conditions
Lots of mishaps involving lift trucks occur at loading docks. These places become dangerous if rain leaks in through open dock doors causing a very slippery floor. Wet floor conditions create a danger and operators have to know possible hazards when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Lift truck certification courses consist of a combination of practical training and classroom instruction tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. Training should be undertaken on the forklift type and attachments which will be utilized by the trainee in the workplace.
Accidents
On average, there is about 100 deaths attributed to forklift mishaps, while over 100,000 are injured by forklifts. Nearly all of these accidents are preventable with proper operator training and attention to safety.