Are your forklift operators in Reading, PA, up-to-date on their safety training? Thousands of forklift-related injuries happen every year. Royal Forklift can help you avoid OSHA fines and foster a safe workplace with forklift safety training.
Royal Forklift, headquartered in Pine Grove, PA, has served the material handling industry for 35+ years. We are an authorized dealer for new UniCarriers forklifts and Haulotte aerial equipment in Berks, Lebanon, Lehigh, and Schuylkill Counties, equipping accounts such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, Tyson Foods, FedEx, Pepsi, DHL, and many more.
We are also a premium supplier of all makes and models of high-quality used forklifts throughout Lancaster, Berks, Lebanon, Lehigh, Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill, York and Columbia Counties.
Forklift and Aerial Lift Training
It is against Federal law for anyone below 18 years of age to operate a forklift and for anyone over 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified. Forklift operators must complete a detailed forklift safety training course and must be trained on the actual forklift that he or she will be operating.
OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(1) requires employers to ensure that, “each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely.” Similar requirements apply to aerial equipment in accordance with ANSI/SIA A92.3, A92.5, A92.6.
At Royal Forklift, we offer OSHA-approved classroom training that can be customized for your type of lift truck or application. Training is done on-site and consists of safety videos, safety test, and a driving test and/or evaluation in the area the unit operates. Instructors grade each test on-site and issue licenses and certificates of completion.
Tips for Safely Operating a Forklift
Operating a forklift is a big responsibility. Follow these tips on how to safely operate a forklift to minimize injuries to you, the pedestrians around you, and damage to the forklift itself.
- Inspect the forklift before stepping onto it. Looking over your truck every day and before and after each shift will enable you to spot leaks or other defects that may interfere with your operation of the forklift.
- Always fasten the seatbelt. The seatbelt is there to protect you in the event you have an accident. Without it, you would be thrown out of the forklift and the truck may fall on you, resulting in serious injuries.
- Watch for pedestrians. When operating your forklift, always be aware if there are people walking in your path. They may assume that you see them.
- Avoid driving over debris, spills, or other objects. If you are unable to avoid a slippery surface, drive very slowly so that the truck doesn’t swerve.
- Move slowly with a raised load. Your forklift will become more unstable the higher the load is. And each forklift has a different weight limit; be certain you known the load capacity of your forklift.
- Pay attention while operating the forklift. Using earphones, talking on the phone, and texting can easily distract you from the task at hand and result in serious damage or injury.
- Never leave the forklift unattended. If you do, stay within 25 feet of it. Prevent the truck from moving by ensuring that the load is completely lowered and the brakes are set.
There is no substitute for training and the safe operation of your material handling equipment. If you are considering forklift training in Reading, PA, get in touch with Royal Forklift today at (570) 294-9631 to explore the options.