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Why You Should Get Forklift Certified Online

The ​forklift certification​ process can vary based on who is providing the training. A formal instructional or educational training on forklift operation must be provided. This can include a lecture, online training courses and videos, written materials and study guides and other educational information on forklift operation and safety.   The research shows us that a high volume of the forklift accidents reported are attributed to human error. This could be due to numerous reasons from negligence of the operator to unfamiliarity with the operating equipment.

In this article we are going to be discussing why you should get forklift certified online! We are going to be taking a look at the numerous benefits that come with being forklift certified and how to get the ball rolling and finally get forklift certified.

Why Certification Matters

When it comes to operating forklifts there are all sorts of associated risks and dangers that can impact business. Forklift certification results in minimising risks and having a solid risk management strategy in place.

So, it makes sense that when it comes to being a forklift operator, certification is crucial for best business practices. The certificate serves the purpose of demonstrating that the operator is sufficiently trained and able bodied to operate the equipment.

The Benefits of Getting Forklift Certified

It is pretty obvious why certification is necessary for forklift operators. The appropriate training must be carried out to best minimise potential dangers and risks that come with the nature of the job.

Not only is it great for forklift operators themselves, but it’s good for business also! Research shows us that companies which adopt and successfully implement a strong forklift training program are more likely to succeed in numerous avenues.

Firstly, the cost to the business is lowered because staff are adequately trained and more competent when using the equipment. This results in the reduction of how many forklift accidents occur and, as such, lowers the potential costs associated with accidents and their downtime.

The implementation of inspections before every shift is another fantastic way to minimize associated dangers and work on developing the skills of the operator.

Not only is being forklift certified safer for the operator, better for business, and beneficial for the bottom line, but it is also an OSHA requirement.

How to Get Forklift Certified

Did you know that you can get forklift certified online? It’s true! At first it does seem like it would be necessary to have physical training, but this course isn’t about teaching you how to drive a forklift! Instead, it is about satisfying OSHA safety requirements.

So if you are already an experienced operator, then online forklift certification is perfect for you. Once the training is completed, your certification will be current for the next 3 years. Most courses are set up by your employer because it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of all operators as per the ​Occupational Safety and Health Administration​.

What You Need to Know to Get Started

So now that you have successfully established whether or not this particular forklift certification is right for you, we are going to explain a little further about exactly what is involved.

The course only takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, this is just the average time that students take and you are able to take absolutely as long as you need. You can even intermittently work on the course requirements and come back at another time convenient to you to finish it.

You must pass the test by achieving 70% or more correct answers. Also reliant on completion is ensuring your employer satisfies training requirements, evaluations, and reviews.

This online certification course successfully meets OSHA requirements and provides you with additional training that gives you an edge amongst your colleagues.

If you’ve never driven a forklift, know that you can learn at places like trade schools, trucking schools, and local community colleges.

However, if you have identified that forklift certification is precisely what you need at this time in your career, then get online to get your certification fast! As mentioned above, in just 1 to 2 hours you can become completely OSHA compliant. Start your online training today!

AUTHOR: Norm Lanier BIO: Norm Lanier is the owner of US Forklift, providing online OSHA-required forklift safety training and certification for as little as $28.

General Safety Issues

Cost Effective Tips to Increase Safety in a Warehouse

Unlike a downtown office in a business center, a warehouse is a dangerous place to work in. Accidents occur here more often than in other places and this is no wonder as there are so many dangers for the workforce. Heavy loads, ceiling-high shelves, sharp objects, and moving vehicles like forklifts are just some of the dangers a warehouse worker has to be on the lookout for.


A big part of the problem are business owners who are at first reluctant to invest in safety improvements because they regard them as too expensive. However, once a worker gets injured and a lawsuit soon follows, owners swiftly change their mind. In order not to be a bad boss, you should implement the following safety measures that are, contrary to popular belief, actually cost-effective. Saving lives and saving money go hand in hand in the warehouse business!

Frequent check-ups
It is free to look around and that is exactly what your management and workers should do regularly. Basically, you probably have a safety system in place but are you sure that it is enforced the way it should be? That is why you have to conduct regular inspections to check if the employees are wearing reflective vests or if the fire extinguisher is where it’s supposed to be and if all fire exits are passable. A heavy crate next to the emergency escape exit may spell disaster, so be sure that all the procedures are put into practice.



Safety barriers
If you have watched those CCTV camera online videos, you might have noticed that even the slightest contact of a forklift or other vehicle with the shelves could bring about a catastrophe. That is why the use of safety barriers is essential because you never know when a malfunction of the equipment could destroy the entire warehouse. Bollards and guardrails are the two most frequent types of barriers that are placed where someone can fall from height or to protect sections of the supporting structure against vehicles in motion. Steel floor guards are usually placed at corners of shelves to prevent the forklift from scraping against their edges.

Maneuvering the forklift
A warehouse worker’s best friend in terms of machinery is definitely the forklift. They come in all sizes but the small ones are most used because they are easily maneuverable. A seasoned forklift driver can do magic inside the warehouse, saving hours of time necessary to transport goods. However, a forklift can also be problematic if not operated properly. You must take great care of the maximum weight a forklift can transport in order not to overturn it. Modern forklifts come with a load weight indicator that will prevent overloading. An important safety feature are cages like the ones NFM Forklifts have, which are there to protect the driver from injury and falling objects.


Employee training
You cannot expect your workers to remain safe unless they are aware of all the safety procedures. In the labor market of today, there is a greater flow of workers, so not all of them get the chance to go through the basics of workplace safety. That is why your HR department should do their job and hold frequent safety briefing so each member of the staff will know how to protect themselves, their co-workers, and the firm’s property. Apart from the knowledge and expertise necessary for carrying out their everyday tasks, the workers should know how to act in case of a fire or a medical emergency. This can also be achieved by holding fire drills that are organized in coordination with the local fire department. Finally, the workers need to learn to communicate among each other, as sharing information is the best way for them to stay safe. If the staff on the floor now that an oversized cargo is bound to arrive, they will be ready to move out of its way when it passes them by.

All the right signs
Although they have gone through rigorous training and they have been briefed a dozen times about safety, workers still sometimes forget to take the necessary precautions. That is why it is good they have visual reminders all over the warehouse, reminding them in a graphic way about the safety procedures. In some places, signage prompts workers to use safety gear like headphones or eye goggles. There are even internal traffic signs warning about a blind corner up ahead. In other parts of the warehouse, the signs can alert about potential dangers, like an increased risk of a fire which forbids smoking or a hazardous material stored behind a particular door. Not only are signs useful reminders but you are also required by law to place them at specific sections of the warehouse.



As you have seen from the measures listed above, warehouse safety will not cost you an arm and a leg. In most cases, you will only have to prioritize safety, and not splash huge amounts of cash.

 About the author:

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
General Safety Issues

Tips to prevent common forklift accidents

 

They might look fun to operate, but forklifts are nothing to be toyed with. They are a serious workplace hazard. Forklift drivers are constantly at risk of injury when operating them. Accidents range from human injury to equipment destruction. Proper safety precautions are absolutely necessary to keep this from happening. Here are some examples of how to implement safety measures.

 

1. Be wary of pedestrians

 

Forklifts are dangerous pieces of equipment. Combined with the weight they lift, they can have a combined weight of thousands of pounds. Something this heavy is always dangerous, especially if it is constantly on the move. Pedestrian deaths aren’t uncommon when mishandling forklifts. Heavy loads can fall or the forklift can tip over and crush a person quite easily. Preventing this should be your number one goal.

 

The easiest way to do this is to physically separate the pedestrians from forklifts. A barrier should be installed between where people walk and where the forklift operates. Brightly coloured lines don’t do the trick, they just serve as reminders to watch out. You want to actually prevent accidents from happening. Low visibility is another cause for incidents, so high-visibility clothing is recommended for workers in the warehouse.

 


2. Reduce collisions

 

Forklifts don’t just pose a danger to pedestrians, they are just as dangerous to everything else in a warehouse. Anything from walls to other machinery is in danger if you don’t properly handle a forklift. Even other forklifts aren’t safe from collisions. The most common kind of collision is one where the driver accidentally reverses into equipment or walls. Since they are pretty heavy, anything you crash into will have a dent in it.

 

The best way to prevent this is spatial awareness. Drivers should check their surroundings and always do a three-sixty visual check of the area they are navigating in. While driving the forklift, they must keep their eyes on the road at all times. Eliminate distractions that could divert attention from the drivers. Slower navigation is always a bonus, the slower you go the lower the chance of a collision.

 

3. Proper training

 

Human error is one of the main factors when it comes to forklift accidents. Putting the blame on drivers alone won’t cut it, though. Forklift drivers are people too. You should focus on getting them the necessary training they need to avoid these types of accidents. Even experienced drivers need a reminder or two on occasion. Refresher training should be provided to even the most seasoned drivers.
Training offers some indirect benefits to your business as well. Due to being a safety measure, it will reduce insurance premiums. The lack of accidents as a result of the training will lead to less money spent on repairs. If you provided all the necessary tools and instruments for operators to improve themselves, your liability in the event of a disaster is decreased. Organizations like OSHA might even mandate some degree of refresher training for workers. Research your labour laws regarding this.

 


4. The right equipment matters

 

The cause of an accidents doesn’t solely rest on the shoulders of a driver. Sometimes it’s the equipment that is at fault. Forklifts are machines like any other. They can fail just like any other piece of equipment. The difference is that when they fail, they can cause catastrophic injury or loss of life. Employers have to make it their duty to get the best kind of equipment in order to mitigate the number of accidents. It’s one area where it pays off not to be frugal.

 

If a forklift breaks down, you will obviously need to fix it. Regular maintenance is important for any piece of machinery. Companies like MLA Holdings can provide these services regularly. While one machine is getting fixed, you should find a rental replacement while you wait for the first to be fixed. If it’s unsalvageable, you should consider getting a new forklift or at least a quality used one.

 

5. Keep an eye on the loading dock

 

Driving around a warehouse isn’t the main point of a forklift. You load and unload heavy objects and packages. Sometimes the loading process will include a van or truck. While they are moving vehicles, they aren’t supposed to move during loading and unloading. This is where accidents come in. A variety of things can happen in this process. Early departure is one of them. If a driver starts creeping away while the forklift is still inside, bad things can happen.

 

You have to make sure the weight being carried isn’t too heavy. If something extremely heavy is unloaded into a truck, it could tip at the nose. This is why landing gear is important. Keeping the vehicle securely in place is a must. Otherwise, either the forklift or the vehicle can cause injury or loss of equipment. Aim for several layers of safety. Things like hooks, wheel chocks, and wheel locks are helpful aides. Additionally, consider a system of lights for the drivers. Red light usually means stop, while giving the green light lets them know it’s fine to proceed.

 

Conclusion
Working with forklifts isn’t the safest job in the world. There are tons of things to watch out for. You’re working with thousands of tons in heavy machinery and one wrong move can cost you a lot of money. Injuries aren’t all that uncommon, either. Safety precautions should be on your list of things to strive for.

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.
https://twitter.com/LiamSmith2034
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamsmith2034

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

HOW TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR FORKLIFT OPERATION (GUEST POST)

Forklift operation is serious business—one wrong decision by an inexperienced driver can cause catastrophic injury to people and equipment. By training your workforce on proper forklift operation, not only are you keeping your employees safe, but you’re also preventing workers’ compensation claims.

For some companies, forklift operation is necessary to keep business processes moving. If an untrained employee causes the truck to tip over, drops a load or causes a vital part of the machinery to break, those processes are disrupted. A loss in output means a loss in revenue.

So, it’s a good idea to develop a simple yet comprehensive training program that ensures all forklift drivers understand the risks involved, the parts of the machine and what to do during emergencies. This article will introduce you to four topics that must be addressed during that training period:

1. Pre-Operation Checklist:

Forklift drivers should answer these questions before turning on the machine:

•    Are “no-go” zones marked with fences and signs?
•    Is there a sufficient amount of ventilation and lighting to work safely?
•    Is there a lot of noise around that may impair your ability to hear?
•    Are road surfaces even and clear of obstacles?
•    Are rail tracks and ramps in place?
•    Are there overhead structures, such as fittings, cables, power lines or low doorways?
•    Are there any other obstructions?
•    Are there dry or wet areas? Spills?
•    Are the loading docks clear? Do they have edge protection?
•    Is there sufficient room on storage racking or capacity?
•    Are the forklift-operating paths wide enough?
•    Are there any areas that are congested?
•    Are there any blind spots?
•    Will there be any interactions with traffic or pedestrians during operation?

2. Workplace Injury Prevention:

Workers Can Do the Following to Prevent Injury:

•    Position the forklift arms lower to ground level.
•    Ensure the parking brake is set.
•    Make sure all controls are in neutral.
•    Do not jump from the forklift.
•    Maintain three points of contact when you get on and off the forklift.
•    Minimize the amount of times you need to get on and off the truck.
•    Make sure to park and work in well-lit areas so your vision is not obstructed, and you can see the road surfaces, traffic and pedestrians.
•    Forklifts should be fitted with anti-slip surfaces and grab-rails.

3. Basic Safety Tips:

Here are a few safety tips for basic forklift operation:

•    Only use the forklift for its intended purposes.
•    Wear a seatbelt.
•    Obey speed limits.
•    Obey warning signs.
•    Drive at speeds suitable for the traffic conditions and road surfaces.
•    Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris and dust.
•    Use extra caution when driving on ramps and inclines.
•    Report damaged racking to the supervisor.
•    Slow down and sound off the horn before driving through a doorway or before entering a busy aisle.
•    Always travel at a safe distance behind other vehicles or forklifts.
•    Be aware of blind spots.
•    Do not reach through the mast or place parts of your body outside of the forklift.
•    Be aware of hazards, such as electrical cables and power lines.

4. People and Forklifts:

When workers become too comfortable around industrial machinery, they might make a careless decision—like letting passengers ride in the forklift. Here are a few guidelines that should be addressed regarding the interaction between people and forklifts:

•    Do not carry passengers on forklifts that are not designed to do so.
•    Do not raise people on the fork pallets or arms.
•    Be conscious of people working around the truck.
•    Do not allow people near stacked loads.
•    Do not allow people to be around a forklift while it is being loaded or unloaded.

If you’re training employees about proper forklift operation, it’s important that the lessons don’t stop when the training period ends. Make sure workers don’t get complacent by occasionally testing their knowledge. Ask them questions about proper operation at employee meetings, and encourage them to suggest ways to make the workplace more safe and productive.

—

Tom Reddon is a Forklift Specialist for National Forklift Exchange and sits on the MHEDA Executive Dialogue Board.  You can read his workplace safety and forklift blog or connect with him via Twitter @TomReddon.

Pat Brownlee wrote:

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

FORKLIFT TRUCK SAFETY – PART II (GUEST POST)

Because of the detailed information in yesterday’s article, we continue  with Part II.  Please read these valuable instructions regarding forklift safety, submitted by Andrea Bernie.

Loading 

Every forklift comes with a data plate fixed in place as handy reference for important information such as load limits.  When loading a forklift: 

  •          Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended load limit
  •          Keep the vehicle’s mast in an upright position before inserting it into a pallet
  •          Make sure the fork is level before inserting it into a pallet
  •          Position the load according to manufacturer recommendation
  •          Never add a counterweight
  •          For the most stable hauling, keep the load as close to the front wheels as possible 

Raising the Load 

The forklift truck is least stable when its raising the load.  The higher the load, the more unstable the machine.  For optimum safety: 

  •          Never raise or lower the fork on a moving vehicle
  •          Always come to a complete stop, with brake engages, before raising the load or lowering it
  •          For driver safety, never lift a load that will extend higher than the fork’s backrest
  •         Check for adequate overhead clearance before lifting the load
  •          Be mindful of obstructions or other loads along the travel path
  •          Avoid overheat power lines at all times
  •          For traveling stability, life the load first up, then tilted back slightly before moving it
  •          Make sure forks are free before traveling in reverse
  •          Never abandon a loaded forklift, especially if the load is in a raised position
  •          Keep people off the lift, whether loaded or unloaded
  •          Keep people out from under the lift, whether it’s loaded or unloaded 

Handling Pallets 

Pallets and forklifts work together like locks and keys but it’s not a fool-proof union.  Caution in handling pallets is required for speed, efficiency, and to minimize the risk of accidents. 

  •          Adjust forks to fit pallets before inserting them
  •          Make sure the load is balanced and stable before beginning the lift
  •          Make sure the forks are completely under the pallet before beginning the lift
  •          Never adjust the load, the forklift or truck, or the surrounding area once the fork is loaded
  •          Never transfer a palleted load from one raised forklift to another 

Loading or Unloading Straight Trucks, Tractor Trailers, Railway Cars 

  • Tightly packed cargo, cramped spaces, and uneven or unsteady work surfaces make loading or unloading straight trucks, tractor trailers, railway cars, and other moveable cargo carriers exceptionally risky business.  This is never the work of a rookie, never a training ground.  Only highly skilled, well-trained forklift operators should attempt work in these environments. 

Prepare the vehicle before loading or unloading begins.  Be sure to: 

  •          Post warning signs on all sides of the work area
  •          Verify the floor of the vehicle is strong enough to support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its operator
  •          Verify the dockplate or on / off ramp is securely fixed in place and can support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its   operator
  •          Firmly set all the vehicle’s brakes
  •          Chock all wheels with a wedge or block
  •          If the trailer is uncoupled, in a stand-alone setting, secure it with fixed jacks for added stability
  •          Ensure proper lighting
  •          Make sure points of ingress / egress are clear of obstruction and clearly marked inside and outside the vessel
  •          Inspect the work area and clear away all debris, clutter, or obstructions and clean up any spills or wet spots that could trigger an accident
  •          Install non-slip material to floors that suggest potential risk
  •          Make sure the cargo storage zone is clear of obstruction, with all edges clearly marked
  •          Mark load and cargo storage areas with reflective tape if working at night or in dimly lit environments
  •          Do not work in a cargo container with holes in the floor 

During the loading or unloading process: 

  •          Stay as far away from all edges of docks, ramps, or elevated doorways as possible
  •          Never try to move the vessel with the forklift
  •          Work only in well-ventilated work zones
  •          Keep dockplate and ramps clean and clear of clutter at all times
  •          Work slowly and carefully for maximum safety
  •          Never spin the lift truck’s wheels 

Special measures are necessary for working safely around railway cars: 

  •          Always cross the track on a diagonal
  •          Make sure hand brakes, derailer, and wheel blocks are in place before entering the car
  •          Open railway car doors properly, never with the forks of the lift truck
  •          Park forklift at least ten feet away from track when not in use 

Entering An Elevator with a Forklift Truck 

Freight elevators can save a lot of time and travel bus command special respect when loading and unloading heavy machinery from them.  Always obtain proper authorization before entering an elevator with a forklift truck and use them safely: 

  •          Before entry, verify the elevator can support the weight of the cargo, the forklift, and its operator
  •          Work slowly and cautiously
  •          Allow ample room for elevator doors to open
  •          Enter the elevator squarely, never at an angle
  •          Once inside, neutralize all controls
  •          Turn the forklift’s engine off
  •          Set all forklift truck brakes 

Parking 

Even parked forklifts are dangerous if they’re not properly exited.  For forklift truck safety round the clock, please: 

  •          Park in designated parking areas only
  •          Before leaving the truck, be sure to:
  •          Firmly set all brakes
  •          Lower forks and/or load to the ground
  •          Turn all controls to neutral or off settings
  •          Turn off the motor
  •          Disconnect battery cables
  •          Follow safety procedures to shut off propane fuel supply 

Technological advances and government regulations make working with forklifts safer to operate with each new design or each new labor law but, ultimately, forklift truck safety depends on the operator.  Respect is required at all times — respect for the machine, respect for the work, respect for the workplace, and respect of the operator and all coworkers in the work zone. 

Author Bio: Joana Kylee is an authorized dealer of superior quality forklift forks, forklift seats and all types forklift spare parts for major brands of lift trucks with same day shipping.

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN IN FORKLIFT TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Operating a forklift takes skill, practice and extreme caution. Many accidents have occurred from mistakes made by forklift operators and could have been prevented with stronger safety training and enforcement. Because of the extreme danger from forklifts, adequate training completed before one is certified to operate them. If you are taking forklift-training classes here are some things to expect.

Classroom Sessions and Hands-On Training

 In your forklift training, you can expect a classroom session with an instructor of approximately 4-6 hours. The instructor will teach you what you need to know about operating the forklift. He or she may use a variety of methods to teach the class such as lecture, PowerPoint, showing a forklift training video or DVD, demonstrating stability using a model and moderating classroom discussions. In addition to the classroom session, there will be hands-on training where you will work with the forklifts. Here you will be shown the forklift and have the opportunity to operate it with the guidance from your instructor. Depending on prior experience the operators may need hours or days of practice operation before they are ready for their final hands on test.

 The Parts of a Forklift

 You will also learn the parts of a forklift. The forklift is similar to a car in some ways, but there are also some major differences, such as the forklift having rear wheel steering.. You will learn about this machine, how it works, and the unique aspects of it. You will learn what all the controls do and how to work them.

 Understand Reasons to Work Safely

 Obviously throughout your training you will be taught safety procedures for operating the forklift. In addition, you will understand the specific reasons why these precautions are put into place. Your instructor will teach you to understand not just “what to do and what not to do,” but why it is important to understand these reasons in the first place.

 Real Consequences of Poor Safety Decisions

 You will be informed of real consequences that could result of poor safety decisions. The forklift is a powerful machine and if you are not safe with it, it could result in severe injury or even death to yourself or others. You will be shown the severity of consequences of not operating the forklift with caution.

 Identify and Correct Safety Problems

 In addition, you will be taught how to identify and correct safety problems when using the forklift. When you operate a forklift, you will be making judgment calls the entire time. You will be given various scenarios and told how to identify and correct safety issues. This will thoroughly prepare you for operating the forklift on your own.

Forklift Maintenance

Just like vehicles need proper maintenance, the forklift does as well. In your training you will be taught what to do to provide maintenance for the forklift. A forklift inspection needs to be conducted and passed before each shift to ensure proper safety for everyone involved.

Written by Written by Dan Smith of Forklift Training Systems, an industry leader in forklift training products and services.