Rather than hiring an outside contractor to perform training classes, it’s not uncommon for companies to handle all safety procedures and training in-house. Depending on your company’s situation, it may be more convenient to have dedicated safety and training personnel instead of scheduling classes with an outside trainer.
Ensuring that in-house trainers are knowledgeable, skilled, and compliant with OSHA standards is challenging. However, a successful forklift safety training program will cover it all.
SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS MEET OSHA’S RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
To ensure their training programs meet OSHA’s recommended practices, many companies send their training personnel to specialized Train-The-Trainer classes. Trainers in these classes learn to convey essential safety guidelines clearly and confidently. However, having knowledgeable trainers won’t (by itself) make your safety training program a success.
Evaluate each part of your facility carefully; this helps spot areas that need fixing or upgrading. Not only is it crucial that your equipment is up-to-date, but also every employee knows their role. Including everyone from machine operators to those on foot helps craft a safety plan that keeps workers secure and protects company property. To get you started, we have provided a checklist recommended by OSHA to guide you as you begin developing your program.
1. IDENTIFY THE EQUIPMENT IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Your operators will need training on each type of equipment they will have to operate, so identify the equipment your operators currently use.
2. EVALUATE YOUR FACILITY’S HAZARDS
Hazards could be blind corners, inclines, high-traffic intersections, loading docks, etc. Train your team on safety rules so they know how to handle these tricky areas.
3. ESTABLISH YOUR TRAINING METHODS
Determine when and how your operators and pedestrians will receive training, and specify the training they will undergo. Ensure that your training methods include both in-class instruction and practical, hands-on training.
4. CREATE YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT
Your operators should be comfortable with any equipment they will operate. Cover all necessary procedures, including loading and unloading procedures, operating on inclines, battery charging, and replacing LP tanks.
Make sure pedestrians know safety procedures concerning forklift operation.
5. DETERMINE A VALID EMPLOYEE EVALUATION
Many evaluations include a written test combined with a visual evaluation of the operator’s skills using the equipment.
6. DEVELOP A DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM
As the employer, you’re responsible for certifying that your operators have been trained and evaluated..
7. PREPARE REFRESHER TRAINING
Whether one of your operators is involved in an incident or conditions change in your facility, refresher training will come up, so be prepared.
By following these steps, you can develop an effective and OSHA-compliant forklift training program that enhances workplace safety and efficiency.
For more ways to create a successful, OSHA-compliant operator safety training program read our complete guide to forklift operator and pedestrian safety training.
Do you need assistance developing your own program? Visit Conger for a comprehensive train the trainer program. They have office in Green Bay, Neenah, Wausau, Richfield, and Madison but offer online or in-person classes available at your facility.