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