Lift truck Truck Training
Operators should undergo training on an industrial-powered lift truck, or forklift in order to be given forklift driver certification. The training program should be specific to the lift truck attachments and type that you will be using on the job. Training must also reflect the environment in which you will be working. Lift truck safety must be a top priority for both the operator trainee and the trainer.
General Qualifications
Anybody operating a lift truck should undergo training and certification prior to assuming operator duties. Basic qualifications for driving a forklift include an age minimum of 18 years and the physical ability to operate and control the unit safely.
Pedestrian Safety
The safety of pedestrians must be a main concern of any forklift driver. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of injury or death from getting hit by the equipment or its attachments. Pedestrians should always have the right of way, and lift truck drivers must honk their horns when working near pedestrians or at intersections or crosswalks.
Weather Conditions
A lot of accidents involving lift trucks happen at loading docks. These places become hazardous if rain leaks in through open dock doors causing a very slippery floor. Wet floor conditions create a hazard and drivers should know possible hazards when working in loading dock areas.
Certification
Lift truck certification programs include a combination of classroom instruction and practical training tailored to the particular needs of the workplace. Training must be completed on the forklift type and attachments that will be used by the trainee in the workplace.
Accidents
Each year approximately 100 individuals die in forklift accidents. There are 100,000 forklift injuries reported every year. Most of these accidents could be prevented with attention to safety and correct operator training.