Why Forklift Training Is Crucial

Forklifts are complicated and heavy machines. These machines are capable of a lot of danger and damage if they are not operated properly and by someone who has been properly trained. While forklift operators do not specific licenses, they do need certification.

The problem is that many people do not take forklift training as seriously as they should. However, the numbers should be enough proof of the importance of ensuring certification and proper training of forklift operators; According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents cause around 85 fatalities a year, around 35 thousand serious injuries, and 61 thousand that result in minor injuries or damages. With there being around 855 thousand forklifts in the United States, this tells us that over 11% of all of those forklifts will be involved in an accident in a year’s time span. With that high of a number, one may question whether or not proper training is being implemented.

Here a few reminders as to why proper training and certification is so important:

SAFETY

While over 11% of forklifts are involved in accidents annually and over 90% of each and every forklift is involved in an accident within its lifespan, safety isn’t to be taken lightly. The most important reason why forklift training is so crucial is that it lowers the risk of fatalities and injuries to operators as well as nearby pedestrians. Forklift fatalities occur in every industry, manufacturing, construction, transportation, retail, trade, etc., regardless of the circumstances or surrounding environment, drivers must be adequately trained.

If an operator is trained, he or she will not only be able to reduce or even prevent forklift accidents, but he or she will know how to react and handle any forklift incidents. For example, operators should never jump from a forklift that is tipping. One is more likely to survive a tipping incident if they stay buckled in rather than attempting to jump out. If an operator is properly trained, they will be aware of this and be more likely to respond correctly in certain incidents.

IT’S THE LAW

Another obvious reason that forklift training must be implemented is simply that it is the law. The OSHA requires any and every forklift operator to have an OSHA forklift certification. In fact, according to the OSHA, if an operator repeatedly violates their forklift training requirements they can be fined $12,934 up to $129,336 for each violation.

COST SAVINGS DOWN THE LINE

If your operators are properly trained they will be less likely to be involved in any forklift incidents. Forklift incidents lead to damaged machines, damaged product, damaged equipment, and injuries and lawsuits. Ensuring your operators are properly trained means avoiding said penalties and costs.

PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

The higher the quality of your forklift operator’s experience and training means the better they will be at their jobs. If you have operators that know their way around a forklift then you are more likely to have better production efficiency, which is better for business and better for you.

Here at Ace Equipment, as a trusted forklift parts supply company in Irving, we know that safety comes first; This is one of the reasons why we prioritize selling and renting out top notch forklifts and equipment. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about our rentals or sales, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.