Why Does OSHA and Your Current or Future Employer Want You to be Certified to Drive a Forklift
“Only trained and competent operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck. All powered industrial truck operators must be trained and certified by their organizations.” These are the first words that appears on the OSHA website on training for powered industrial trucks.We agree.Certification for the New or Experienced Forklift Driver
When an individual decides to take the time to go through forklift training and become certified, you are providing proof to your employer and to OSHA that you have a foundational understanding for operating a forklift safely. It may seem insignificant, but it’s actually very important, not just for the driver’s safety, but for the safety of everyone and everything in the facility.
Statistics for Forklift Fatalities and Injuries
According to OSHA, 5,333 workers died on the job in 2019, a 2% increase from 2018 and the largest increase since 2007. That’s 3.5 per 100,000 full-time workers. On average, there are about 15 deaths every day.
Then there’s the product and facility damage caused by the forklift. Taken from SIERA.AI’s own customers, prior to the implementation of the SIERA.AI Safety Systems, the companies reported loses on average of $188,000 each year on product damage and facility damage.
Forklift Accidents
Companies invest substantially in safety in order to prevent forklift accidents from occurring. There are numerous ways forklift accidents can occur.
Let’s take a look at the top 5:
Forklift Rollover
A forklift rollover is caused by tight turns, the load is unbalanced, turning while on an incline or uneven surfaces.
Lack of Operator Training
This is easy to overcome by signing up for training materials. You can get free safety training materials here.
Forklift tipping over from the Dock or Trailer
A forklift can tip over if the floor is uneven, get too close to the edge of the platform, the docking plate is not in place correctly, or there’s a spill or liquid on the floor.Pedestrians or workers sharing the space
It is often said to be the fault of the operator for hitting or bumping a pedestrian or worker. One of the causes is the absence or not enough warning lights. (Take the time to read our blog on pedestrian detection.)
Loads Falling from the Forklift
Operators don’t have the choice of what needs to be picked up by the forks. Many times, the product to be picked up can be oversized or contain a weight imbalance. Knowing how to pick up product so it’s not off centered, damaged or loose is also vital to the safety of the move.How to Get Started
Understanding the risks involved in driving a forklift, you can now understand the value of forklift training and certification. Because SIERA.AI is all about safety, we’ve developed a program that will get you started on the path to becoming a safe driver.
Use SIERA.AI’s 3-Step Forklift Certification. This is perfect if you want to operate Class 1, 4, and 5 type forklift trucks, namely electric motor rider forklift trucks, IC cushion tire forklifts and IC pneumatic tires forklifts.
Once you’re done studying the materials and have taken and passed the exam, you’re read to show it to your current or new employer. They’ll be thrilled that you are ahead of the certification process and that you take safety seriously. Go get em’!
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