What does OSHA require to become a forklift safety trainer?

Trainer Qualifications
Is experience a bad thing? Of course not! But can be.

OSHA revised it’s operator training rule within their powered industrial truck safety standard in 1998 (this was the only rule within the entire standard that changed).

This revised rule basically specifies that the person training forklift operators be knowledgeable, trained, and experienced to train operators and evaluate their competence.

First of all, this rule should urge many of you to “train your trainer”, if you haven’t already.

Most organizations will generally rely on their most experienced operator to be their “new” trainer.

Please be careful with this and qualify their experience.

An Overlooked Requirement?

This requirement, found in OR-OSHA Division 2 Subdivision N 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(i) reads, “Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, shall be conducted as required by paragraph (l)(4)(ii) to ensure that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the powered industrial truck safely”. {Paragraph (l)(4)(ii) requires, at a minimum, when retraining is required}

A potential problem when evaluating retraining programs is the lack of including the affected operator into the training.

For example, an operator reportedly is speeding through areas of the plant where speed is supposedly restricted.

The operator is disciplined and is required to be retrained.

Another example is operating the lift truck with either no load or a light load but with the mast raised significantly high causing the forklift to become unstable.

The operator is warned and told to keep the load low to the ground because “...OSHA requires it”.

Neither of the above scenarios included the operator in an educational opportunity – they were included solely in the discipline aspect.

Accountability and discipline must be established; but education should come first.

Why not ask the first operator what he/she thinks a safe speed should be and why?

Have him/her explain the hazards surrounding excessive speeds relating to the truck (instability) but also the pedestrian exposure.

Determine why speeds have been excessive, i.e. production pressures, lack of enforcement, lack of training, etc. Allow some time to demonstrate both to this operator and all others that a safe controlled speed is as productive as an excessive speed. Include the operator(s) in developing the new/revised policy.

Then ensure it’s consistently enforced!

Some studies have shown that 70% of all forklift incidences (including “near misses”) involve them and pedestrians being struck by forklifts are the second leading forklift-related fatality.

However, the leading cause of death and serious injury involving forklifts are overturns.

Why Wait? Forklift Certified Operator Program START TODAY!