Lift Truck Training
Many industries use powered industrial trucks for material handling. In the recycling industry, internal combustion powered forklifts are commonly used. Lift truck operation requires well trained operators. Training is a requirement in North America, and for good reason. A forklift could cause serious damage to property or personal injury if not safely operated. A forklift that is loaded can weight three times as much as a car. Lift trucks are accountable 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 very commonplace.
Training Requirement
A training program for operators must be developed and applied by employers. Additionally, the program must be based on four factors: the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicles being used in the workplace, the particular hazards of the workplace and the general safety requirements, according to OSHA. Training combines both formal and practical parts. At the completion of the training, operators need to pass an assessment showing they have the ability to correctly operate a truck. OSHA also requires that operators of powered industrial trucks must be trained in certain specified subject matters that apply to safely operating a lift truck.