Benefits of Forklift Safety Training
There is a distinct difference between teaching someone something, like safe forklift operation, and truly training them how to perform the function safely and efficiently. A comprehensive training for your forklift operators provides you with not only protection from potential liabilities, but also enhances your operation. Proper training will also lower your costs in terms of less damage to the products your operators move, and to your facility. The bottom line is thorough, documented and formalized training leads to better care for your equipment, your products, your facility and your bottom line.
Increased useful life and lower operating costs
Training not only in safe, proper forklift operation, but also proper inspections will result in catching small maintenance issues and fixing them before they become giant repair headaches. Knowing proper methods of operating a forklift results in less wear and tear on your equipment. Your equipment stays in better condition for a longer period of time and lowers operating costs.
Improved productivity
Operators that receive ongoing training are more efficient at operating your forklifts. This efficiency translates into more productive employees. Improved morale and efficiency gained from training will increase how much work each of your operators can accomplish in a day, and that improves your bottom line.
Better morale and improved “spirit” of safety
Employees that are professionally trained truly feel cared for, and they should! Each of your forklift operators is in control of a very dangerous piece of equipment. One wrong move could permanently change their lives or the lives of people working around the forklift. When they know you “have their back” and are not simply going through the motions to appease government, they respond positively by projecting that spirit of safety into other facets of your operation and will “have your back” by letting you know of other possible improvements that could benefit your company.
Comply with regulatory
OSHA and ANSI have requirements regarding forklifts. And ultimately it is up to you, the employer, to make sure your operators and fleet managers are aware of the regulations and you are in compliance. Failure to comply not only opens your company up for potential fines, but also for fiscal damages should an injury occur.