Lift Truck Training
Many industries make use of powered industrial trucks for material handling. In the recycling industry, internal combustion powered forklifts are popular. Lift truck operation requires operators who are well trained. Within North America, training is a requirement, and for good reason. A forklift can cause personal injury or serious property damage if not safely used. A forklift which is loaded can weight three times as much as a motor vehicle. Lift trucks are responsible for many industrial accidents, either as the primary or the secondary source of the accident. Reports of fatalities or injuries involving pedestrians or operators 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 kinds of vehicles being used within the workplace, the general safety requirements, according to OSHA and the specific hazards of the workplace. Training combines both formal and practical components. At the completion of the training, operators have to 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 that is relevant to safe lift truck operation.