Lift Truck Training
For handling materials, there are many kinds of industries that make use of powered industrial trucks. In the recycling business, internal combustion powered forklifts are popular. Lift truck operation requires operators who are well trained. Training is a requirement within North America, and for a really good reason. A forklift can inflict personal injury or serious damage to property if not safely operated. A loaded forklift could weight three times as much as a motor vehicle. Lift trucks are responsible for numerous industrial accidents, either as the primary or the secondary source of the accident. Reports of fatalities or injuries involving operators or pedestrians are all too commonplace.
Training Requirement
Employers must develop and apply a training program for operators based on four factors: the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicles being used within the workplace, the specific hazards of the workplace and the general safety requirements, based on OSHA. Training includes both practical and formal parts. At the training's completion, operators must pass an assessment showing they have the ability to operate the truck properly. OSHA also requires that operators of powered industrial trucks must be trained in certain specific topics which is applicable to safely operating a lift truck.