Training is imperative for not only safe operation of forklifts, container handlers and yard spotters, it improves productivity and your bottom line. We know that very experienced operators are worth their weight in gold. But how can we take a new operator and get them to that point quicker? The key lies in truly training them, not just teaching them the fundamentals then handing them the key.

Not to mention that in many cases, particularly in forklift operation, training is a requirement and failure to provide adequate training can result in costly fines as well as legal costs and civil awards if sued.

Too often we become focused on the regulation and the direct costs of non-compliance, namely fines and potential lawsuits. However, if we focus on truly making cultural changes in our organizations that revolve around a safer workplace, many other cost-savings will occur, including:

1. Reduced worker’s compensation claims & premiums
2. Reduced equipment and plant damage
3. Improved maintenance conditions of equipment
4. Improved productivity
5. Enhanced employee morale

This is just to name a few. Too often satisfying OSHA becomes the goal and we “miss the forest for the trees.” Training is a never-ending process. Why? Because nothing is ever stagnant in a warehouse situation. There are almost daily changes involving equipment, processes, personnel, products or facilities, and the list goes on. Each change requires training or re-training to make sure each employee can become familiar and comfortable with the changes.

Re-training must take place each time “a condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck” , according to OSHA. To see a list of all conditions under which refresher training must occur, click HERE. This rather ambiguous definition could mean anything from a change in the products you carry (depending upon how they are handled) to changes in how you store your products. So as you can see, having a once-a-year operator training day would not even provide your company compliance with the letter of the regulation, much less keep your facility operating at an optimal level as it pertains to safety and productivity.

Let’s look at the differences in the pure definitions of teaching vs. training.

Train – To instruct as to make proficient. To guide the mental, moral, development of, etc…
Teach – To show how to do something. Instruct. To give knowledge, insight, etc…

Most traditional “training” programs are in-fact barely more than “teaching sessions.” In order to fully train, you must first start with the trainer. OSHA regulations regarding forklift operator training state: “All operator training and evaluation shall be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.” 

This means the person you are relying upon to meet these standards will need more than a three-day class in operator safety training. He or she will need to have significant experience with material handling equipment and all facets of operation as well as the ability to express what he or she knows in a logical manner so that the material is effectively transferred to your operators. This is very important particularly if your goal is truly training, and not simply compliance.

To learn more about how the human brain learns and how to “train” read “The Four Levels of Learning.”