Lift Truck Training
Many industries make use of powered industrial trucks for material handling. In the recycling industry, internal combustion powered forklifts are popular. Lift truck operation need well trained operators. Within North America, training is a requirement, and for a very good reason. A forklift can inflict personal injury or serious damage to property if not used safely. A forklift that is loaded could weight three times as much as a car. Lift trucks are accountable for a large percentage of industrial accidents, either as the secondary or the primary source of the accident. Reports of injuries or fatalities involving both pedestrians or operators are all too commonplace.
Training Requirement
Employers must develop and apply a training program for operators based on four factors: the kinds of vehicles being utilized within the workplace, the general principles of safe truck operation, the particular hazards of the workplace and the general safety requirements, according to OSHA. Training combines both formal and practical parts. At the completion of the training, operators need to pass an assessment showing they have the ability to properly operate a truck. OSHA also requires that powered industrial truck operators must be trained in certain specified topics which is relevant to safe lift truck operation.