These days, it has become very common to spot forklifts at the sites of construction or any other industrial work. With the increased use of forklifts, the demands of people are also increasing who will operate such powerful vehicles.

Therefore, it has become the need of the hour to supply proper training to use such heavy load vehicles. This will also help to save their lives and prevent them from financial and health loss.  There are many companies which are selling the services of OSHA forklift safety training in the market. One should always keep in mind that the company they select for safety training should be for forklift operator.

What are Forklift Vehicles?

The common name for the forklift truck is a lift truck. No work of construction, industrial can be completed without using the lift trucks.

This type of vehicle is used for moving and lifting heavy materials over short distances. There are many different varieties of forklift trucks which are being put into use. Hence, people who drive such trucks are given special safety training to avoid any risks and injuries.

What Does the Training of Forklift Trucks Involve?

The method of using such trucks for construction, industrial or other purposes is different than the others. A person who is employed to drive such a vehicle should have the proper knowledge about its functions and techniques. The major aim of training people is for the safety of their own and others.

Need for Safety Training for Forklift Trucks

According to the latest study by OSHA it was estimated that approximately 85 people die in serious accidents in forklift trucks. Hence, it is very important to understand the need for the safety training of the employees. These forklifts are highly powered vehicles and can weight anywhere between 9,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs. It is thereby assumed that around 75% of the fatal deaths and injuries could have been avoided if the employees were given the proper training before using forklifts.

Who Conducts the Training for Forklift Operators?

Usually, it is a competent instructor who is well-informed about the controls and safety measures of the forklift vehicles. The training can be conducted in a classroom in the form of theory and even on-site as a practical mode of training. Generally, the competent is well-aware of the hazards which can be caused by even a little negligence, and also knows the methods to avoid them.

Structure of the OSHA Forklift Safety Training

The training at OSHA is divided into the classroom and on-site training. The employees are not only supplied with the classroom classes or on-site training but also an overview of the hazards which can occur. The ways to avoid the hazards would also be acknowledged by the competent.

Do Safety Training Needs to be Refreshed from Time to Time?

According to the guidelines of OSHA forklift safety training, it was found out that the operators of forklift vehicles should be refreshed with the safety training every 3 years. The training after every 3 years of previous training is known as refresher training. However, a person is subjected to refresher training whenever; he/she is observed of operating the truck in a negligent manner or has met with some hazardous accident.

Final Words

From the above-mentioned details and purpose of forklift operator’s safety training, it is very much clear why this safety training is required. People who are looking for companies to train their operators should first survey the companies well before handing over the safety training project to them. The author of this article recommends Superior Forklift Training Certification for this service.