Forklift Training & Safety For Operators
Forklift safety is an important element of operating a forklift and includes regular forklift training for operators…
As an employer and company owner it is up to you to ensure that regular reviews of training and safety take place. This is so important when it comes to heavy equipment operation, forklifts being a large component of this category. Forklift operator training and refresher courses are beneficial as operators are brought up to speed on all current laws and all of their bad driving habits are pinpointed, discussed and reported on.
When a forklift operator has an accident, one of the things that WorkCover and insurance companies look at is whether or not they believe the operators need for retraining was a cause of the accident. Generally the longer a forklift operator has had their license the more chance they have of developing bad habits and not being up to date with the current laws regarding forklifts.
One very basic forklift operator safety tip is running a regular forklift safety check including;
- Any visible structural damage
- Good tyres & wheels
- Well maintained forks and attachments
- Well maintained chains, cables and hoses
- Safety devices all working
These are all related to the forklift but don’t forget that a regular forklift operating checklist includes other things such as the environment the forklift operator will be working in and the operator’s qualifications. This is where regular forklift training can be very beneficial as it gives you, the employer piece of mind that all operators are competent forklift operators.
Workcover NSW have produced an excellent document titled “Making your forklift work for you” It is a ten minute checklist for managers and supervisors and is designed to be a trigger to alert you to ineffective practices related to all powered trucks and forklifts. It is an excellent document to begin your regular forklift safety checklist to enable that you can provide a safe environment for all employees. Don’t forget to add regular forklift training and refresher courses for operators as part of your safety checklist!
“It is the duty of the employer to ensure that the employees are provided with the information, instruction, training and supervision that may be necessary to ensure the employees health and safety at work. Refer to OHS Act 2000. An employer should regularly review the training needs of his/her workers. Particular regard should be given to training required by new or young workers.” Ref: The Workcover Website.
So according to that you should implement a regular safety & training review and undertake regular refresher training courses for employees in all areas especially heavy equipment operators and forklift operators.
Infront Staffing run conveniently located forklift training courses 10 mins from Sydney CBD. More information
Infront Staffing is a leader in the provision of warehousing, logistics and supply chain recruitment , contract labour hire, green card training and container pack and unpack services ; we understand in detail the nature of these key areas of your business and your need for reliable, quality staff. We also specialise in delivering Green Card / White Card Training & OH&S training courses for the construction and building industry as well as forklift training courses and traffic control courses. We provide training courses for the hospitality industry and cover RSA courses and RCG courses. Make an Online Enquiry or Contact Us today.