OSHA and ANSI have requirements regarding forklift training to maintain safety for all people in the workplace.  Different workplace types and conditions are factors in hazards for forklifts. For example, retail establishments often face greater challenges than other worksites in maintaining pedestrian safety. Beyond that, many workers can also be injured when lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks; lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trainer; they are struck by a lift truck; or they fall while on elevated pallets or other objects.

It is up to you, the employer, to see that your operators and fleet managers are aware of the regulations and that your company is in compliance.

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.  These best practices decrease the likelihood of injuries to operators and damage to equipment and property.

When observing operators using equipment, remember to ask:

• Is the driver wearing a seat belt?
• Is the operator driving at safe speeds?
• Does the driver sound the horn when approaching blind spots, end of aisles or backing up?
• When transporting a load, is the load 6” to 10” off of the floor?
• Is the driver’s visibility blocked?
• Does the operator use a spotter when the load is blocking his visibility?

Companies that do not emphasize safety and ongoing training of their drivers are easy to spot with this quick observation.  KMH offers training that fulfills both ANSI and OSHA laws. With proper training, you reduce downtime due to improper operation and provide effective, timely maintenance/repair of your fleet. We provide a range of forklift training classes at progressive levels to meet your needs!

All of this results in equipment that stays in better condition for a longer period of time, an increase in useful life of your forklifts, and lower operating costs.

We provide a range of forklift training classes at progressive levels to meet your needs!

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.