Forklift Truck Training Course
In order to receive certification as a forklift driver, you must undergo training on an industrial-powered forklift, or lift truck. The training program must be specific to the lift truck attachments and type which you will be using on the job. Training must also reflect the atmosphere in which you will be working. Forklift safety should be a main concern for both the operator trainee and the trainer.
General Credentials
Before assuming any operator duties, all lift truck operators must undergo both training and certification. Basic credentials for operating a lift truck include being at least eighteen years old and the physical ability to safely operate and control the unit.
Pedestrian Safety
The top concern of any lift truck driver must be the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians near the forklift are at risk of death or injury from getting hit by the machine or its additions. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and lift truck drivers must honk their horns when working at intersections or crosswalks or near pedestrians.
Weather Conditions
Numerous mishaps involving lift trucks take place at loading docks. These areas become hazardous if rain leaks in through open dock doors making the floor very slippery. Wet floor conditions could result in a danger and drivers should know possible dangers when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Certification programs for forklift drivers consist of both practical training and classroom instruction that could be tailored for the specific needs of each work environment. Training should be completed on the forklift type and attachments that would be used by the trainee in the workplace.
Mishaps
On average, there is roughly 100 deaths attributed to forklift mishaps, while over 100,000 are injured by forklifts. The majority of these accidents can be avoided with attention to safety and proper operator training.