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What do your forklift operators REALLY know about
the forklift they operate every single day?

In my forklift training classes, I offer $20 to anyone who can explain what the data plate of the forklift reads and how to use the information. When I am on-site training, I ask experienced forklift operators to FIND their data plate for $20. After 5000 operators trained, I have yet to hand over $20 for either situation.

Why does a forklift operator need to know so much about his equipment? This seems like a strange question but it must be one that often is dismissed by so many managers and supervisors including safety personnel and HR staff. We see many operators that are lacking in complete knowledge of their equipment. For example, I recently asked forklift operators before doing driving evaluations to find the operator manual for their forklift for me. No one could find the manual and no one realized that it was located on the back of the operator seat. In fact, we pulled it out from the plexiglass encasement and it was obvious that this manual had never before been used since the equipment was manufactured. This is also a very common finding during our training visits.

How does an operator know when they are picking up something that is beyond the capacity of their forklift? The usual answer is “I wait until the back wheels come off the ground.” As long as the weight of the load is less than the capacity of the forklift, then it can be lifted, right? Most operators would say yes………… assuming firstly that they even know their forklift’s rated capacity. However, there are many other variables to consider when it comes to limits and restrictions on load lifting.

Without complete knowledge of the equipment’s capabilities and limits, there is a very high level of risk associated with the poorly trained operator. With one wrong decision on how and what they can lift, you can end up with needless tragedy (you don’t want this to happen).

L.I.F.T. Training is determined to train your operators correctly and completely. Our corporate and individual clients are amazed at how directly applicable our training techniques and processes can be in reducing the chances of a dangerous accident. We educate our client trainees on ALL facets of being a forklift operator and we do so effectively and affordably.

Please call us for a free on-site assessment and evaluation of your current operators or visit our website at www.lifttraining.com for more information. Managers and supervisors are invited and encouraged to attend our operator training along with their employees so that they too understand the importance and benefits of high quality training.

Dennis Diamond
Regional Manager, Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer

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What do your forklift operators REALLY know about the forklift they operate every single day?

What do your forklift operators REALLY know about
the forklift they operate every single day?