Get New Forklift Operators Productive… Fast

As hiring workers continues to plague our industry, it has become increasingly difficult or sometimes impossible to hire certified forklift drivers. Over the past few years, companies have funded and onboarded new forklift operators with quality training programs tailored to their specific facilities and desired outcome. Although this worked well for a while, with the lack of interest and high employee turnover, it has become increasingly difficult to onboard new forklift operators.

Forklifts are a Necessity

The fact is that forklifts are a necessity in the manufacturing facility, distribution center and warehouse. Although many technologies have helped to alleviate the workload, forklifts will continue to be around. Forklifts can move in and out of trailers, reach the deepest corners of the facility and store product as high as the facility roof. These tasks can only be reached with a skilled forklift operator. So, what tools do companies have today in order to onboard new forklift operators?

We’ve put together a 3-step strategy to rapidly train and onboard new forklift operators. Let’s get started.

As you know, OSHA requires all forklift drivers to be certified. There are a couple parts to forklift training: written and hands-on.  Both combined are a great way to prepare the forklift operator for what will be experienced each day. However, it’s also important to understand the safety and risks associated with driving and maneuvering a forklift truck. 

Onboard new forklift operators by starting with the written exam. The exam is all about awareness and safety. There are various tests out there that are specific to the machine being driven. If your operator is driving an electric motor rider truck, IC engine truck cushion tires or pneumatic tires, which are Class 1, 4 and 5, SIERA.AI can help. We’ve developed a comprehensive exam that provides a rich foundation of online materials prior to taking the online exam.

If the operator understands that the forklift takes a beating every day, it’s important to care for it in order to gain maximum performance. Even though everyone understands the importance, cutting corners is going to happen. How can you ensure the safety and efficiency of the forklift? Pre-shift and/or post-shift forklift inspections.

Today, paper continues to be widely used. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get around by either not filling out the forklift checklist or filling it out quickly because it’s the same thing each day. That’s why digitizing the forklift inspection checklist is the way to go. 

When the forklift driver is read to begin their shift, the operator needs to enter a pin or scan their badge to activate the forklift. The forklift won’t let the driver go anywhere until the forklift checklist is complete. The checklist automatically comes on and the driver will have a series of questions to answer. These questions can be static or shown in random order, including the answers. Now the forklift operator needs to read the questions and answers in order to know what to do next. All questions and answers are immediately recorded and stored online.

This valuable content is critical to maintaining the health and well-being of the forklift and the safety of the operator, pedestrians, and the facility itself. Learn more about the S2 Digital Inspection with Impact Detection and the web-based Dashboard.

Whether your operators are inexperienced or highly experienced, it only takes a second for an accident to occur. Give your forklift operator the tools necessary to stay safe and do their job at the same time. Each of the safety solutions below have their place within the facility. For high-risk areas, use the S3 Slow to a Safe Stop and for less risk areas use the S3 Pedestrian Detection.

S3 Slow to the Safe Stop

The S3 Slow to a Safe Stop is the ultimate in forklift safety. Simply stated, if the forklift driver doesn’t respond to the warning cues, it will override the driver and automatically slow down and come to a complete stop. This safety solution will prevent the accident from happening. Use this safety solution in areas where high risk resides.

S3 Pedestrian Detection

In all other areas where risk still exists but maybe not as high, all other forklifts should be equipped with the S3 Pedestrian Detection. It provides the visual and audio cues to allow the forklift driver to stop the forklift before the accident. The audio and visual cues are constantly reading the environment and identifies for you if it is an object or a pedestrian.

By combining the two safety systems together, you have a full and complete safety solution for the entire facility that protects the workers, operators, product and the facility.

Overall

The plant manager, maintenance manager, anyone who needs information on the safety of the facility, can track and receive notifications from the web-based Dashboard. You’ll be able to keep track of all workers ensuring their work productivity, efficiency and safety.

These are the 3 best tool for you to train and onboard new forklift operators…fast and effectively.