While it might look like the easiest thing in the world to do, operating a forklift safely is a very skilled operation and can take years to learn how to make it look so easy. As with any job a person has been doing for years operating a forklift can look simple, but the truth is much different. It can take year of forklift training for an operator to be able to run his forklift with a high level of efficiency while still maintaining the very highest level of safety at all times. There is far more to forklift training than simply learning what all the levers and pedals do, of course this is a very important, however it is far more important that each forklift operator knows what it takes to be able to operate their forklift safely. No matter what type of industry you are running OSHA has rules and regulations that govern the use of forklifts for the protection of both the operator and those who work around them. Anyone whose job involves the use of a forklift is required to undergo OSHA approved forklift training before they are allowed to operate a forklift.
In 1999 OSHA updated all of their regulations which means that anyone who was certified before that date must undergo updated forklift training and retest for certification before they are allowed to drive their forklift. OSHA also recommends that all forklift operators be required to take a training refresher course periodically to keep them up to date on the latest standards within the industry and any changes in the rules and regulations. There are several different ways that your employees can get their initial forklift training to make sure that they are certified to operate a forktruck. Many manufactures of forklifts offer training courses at local dealerships and factories. However, it is not always possible for a new employee to leave and attend a training seminar off site there are manufacturers and other companies that offer online and onsite training courses. One of the most popular methods of ensuring your employees get the most up to date forklift training is to find a company that can supply your employees with a mixture of online and hands on training. This type of training may consist of online videos that explain OSHA standards and how the pertain to their jobs. In most cases the videos also cover the different types of forklifts, pre use inspections, basic driving techniques, and all aspects of forklift loading and stability. Once the course is completed the employee will receive a certificate of completion and be licensed to operate a forklift.
Good forklift training is vital to the safety of all of your employees from the forklift operator to those who must work around them. If you are looking for a company to train and certify your forklift operators look no further than CSEM. They have been training employees in all aspects of industrial safety for almost 20 years and many of their senior instructors have over 30 years of experience in industrial safety. With proper training your employees can enjoy a much safer work environment and you can enjoy lowered operating costs.