Forklift accidents are a severe concern for workplace safety, but it’s possible to prevent them with proper training, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines. Ultimately, the employer’s and the employee’s responsibility is to work together to ensure a safe workplace and reduce the risk of accidents. 

OSHA FACTS AND STATISTICS 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) collects data on forklift safety incidents to monitor and address potential hazards. Here are some OSHA facts and statistics related to forklift accidents: 

  1. According to OSHA, there are approximately 85 fatal forklift accidents and 34,900 serious injuries involving forklifts in the United States each year. 
  2. OSHA estimates roughly 25% of forklift-related fatalities are from a forklift tipping over. 
  3. The most common cause of forklift accidents is operator error, accounting for about 70%. 
  4. OSHA requires employers to provide training to all forklift operators to help prevent accidents. However, OSHA reports that only about 1/3 of forklift operators receive the required training. 
  5. OSHA has established strict guidelines for the operation of forklifts, including load capacity, speed limits, and maneuvering in narrow aisles. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in citations and penalties. 

BENEFITS OF FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING A forklift driver gets forklift safety training in Los Angeles.

Forklift safety training is essential to maintaining a safe workplace and preventing forklift accidents. Here’s how your company can benefit from forklift safety training: 

  • Increased safety: Proper training can ensure that forklift operators are knowledgeable about safety procedures, equipment operation, and how to identify and avoid potential hazards. 
  • Compliance with regulations: OSHA requires employers to train all forklift operators. By providing training, employers can ensure that they comply with OSHA regulations and avoid potential penalties or fines. 
  • Reduced costs: Forklift accidents can be expensive for employers, with costs associated with property damage, lost productivity, and worker compensation claims. Employers can reduce the risk of accidents and related costs by investing in forklift safety training. 
  • Improved productivity: Properly trained forklift operators can work more efficiently and effectively, reducing the time and effort required to move materials around the workplace. 
  • Enhanced employee morale: Employees who feel safe and confident in their ability to operate forklifts are more likely to have positive attitudes towards their work and their employer. 

For employers looking to maintain a safe and productive workplace, forklift safety training is an important investment.  

WHAT YOU LEARN IN FORKLIFT SAFETY TRAINING 

In forklift safety training, participants learn various skills and knowledge related to operating forklifts safely and efficiently. Here are some topics covered in forklift safety training: 

  • OSHA regulations and guidelines: Forklift safety training typically starts with an overview of OSHA regulations related to forklift operation, including requirements for training, operation, and maintenance. 
  • Equipment operation: Participants learn about the various parts of a forklift, how to perform a pre-operation inspection, and how to operate the forklift safely and efficiently.
  • Load handling: Participants learn how to properly lift and move loads, including how to calculate weight and balance, how to secure loads, and how to stack loads safely.
  • Hazard identification and avoidance: Forklift safety training teaches participants how to identify potential hazards in the workplace, such as uneven surfaces, narrow aisles, and overhead obstructions. Participants also learn how to avoid these hazards and how to respond in the event of an emergency.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Participants learn about the importance of using PPE while operating a forklift, including hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing.
  • Written and practical evaluations: To ensure that participants have mastered the skills and knowledge covered in the training, many forklift safety training programs include both written and practical assessments to ensure operators have learned the skills necessary to operate a forklift.

Overall, forklift safety training provides participants the skills to operate safely and efficiently while complying with OSHA regulations and guidelines. 

GET FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION IN LA COUNTY 

We have a comprehensive operator safety training program with classroom and hands-on instruction. Using this program, our professional trainers provide your employees with the latest OSHA regulations, plus classroom and hands-on instruction on proper lift truck operation.   

We provide training at our location on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month at 8 am. We also offer Train the Trainer courses, refresher courses, and group classes at your location. We’re happy to use your equipment in your warehouse for the best results. Click here to book operator safety classes today! 

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