Forklifts of all types are used throughout industry, transportation and warehousing to move product safely and efficiently. The machines can have a multitude of attachments and special features, all of which require trained and experienced operators.

Certification

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires all forklift operators to be properly certified before operating any forklift equipment. An operator must be trained on the specific equipment she is to operate in a given job.

Training Requirements

The training, which can be completed in-house by the employer, must include both a classroom training session as well as a hands-on element. The operator must be observed operating the style of forklift to which she will be assigned prior to being certified.

Machine Types

There are a multitude of forklift types, from the standard sit-down model, to the operator up, to the rough terrain models. Each requires special skills and training.

Safety

NIOSH reports nearly 100,000 forklift-related injuries each year with an average of nearly 100 fatalities. Due to these large numbers, forklift operators are extensively trained in the safe operation of the equipment.

Damage Prevention

A small forklift will weigh more than a car. A larger forklift can weigh six times as much as an SUV. With this amount of weight, any accident has the potential to cause severe damage to both product and equipment.

Source:

Forklift Safety Zone

Forklift Operation