Forklift operators
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Originally Posted by FarmForward
I operated a forklift (a stand-up model Raymond) for six years at my old job in town. To get certified, we had two hours of classroom training that consisted of watching a film, and taking a test that we had to score at least 85% on., then taking a driving test that involved taking product from a rack and returning it, driving forward and backward on a pre-determined course within a given time frame, and a visual inspection of a lift that the plant maintenance guys had rigged with some "defects" that would render the lift not fit to operate. And after passing all that, we were still on a probationary license for six weeks, and any accident or "incident" (which never was really clarified and was sometimes invoked for pure spite) meant that your license was pulled and you had to go through the whole process all over again.
Looking back, I can kind of see why the place ended up closing...
Looking back, I can kind of see why the place ended up closing...
The probationary period sounds a little ****, at least done in that way. But actually, anytime there's a forklift "incident" the operator is subject to review and recertification, probationary period or not.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
You basically have to take a slightly modified course from a trainer who's certified to train other trainers. It's very little more involved than the basic operator training, just has more of a focus on the responsibilties of training other operators.
But there's not really any "trickle-down" effect on the training...that is to say, the guy who trained me as a trainer is certified to train other trainers, but I'm not. I can only train and certify operators (at this time.) In order for me to train a person to become another trainer, I have to take some extra training from the company (or one like it) that trained my trainer...(that seems like a lot of trains...!)
Perhaps our FTE member fastmover will see this and chime in, as he's the one who trained and certified me...
But there's not really any "trickle-down" effect on the training...that is to say, the guy who trained me as a trainer is certified to train other trainers, but I'm not. I can only train and certify operators (at this time.) In order for me to train a person to become another trainer, I have to take some extra training from the company (or one like it) that trained my trainer...(that seems like a lot of trains...!)
Perhaps our FTE member fastmover will see this and chime in, as he's the one who trained and certified me...
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 1
From: The Star-Club, Hamburg
The rigging of the truck idea is not really standard, but does keep you on your toes...
The probationary period sounds a little ****, at least done in that way. But actually, anytime there's a forklift "incident" the operator is subject to review and recertification, probationary period or not.
The probationary period sounds a little ****, at least done in that way. But actually, anytime there's a forklift "incident" the operator is subject to review and recertification, probationary period or not.
This whole company was ****, so the only surprise I ever got was when they SHORTENED the probationary period from 3 months to six weeks.
As far as "incidents"... they could be pretty much anything, and the company encouraged people to "be on the lookout" for them with their fellow forklift operators. And, every "incident" had to be investigated (more evidence of the ****-ity of the place), and until it was resolved, the operator got parked. Some of the "incidents" that stand out in my memory are just ridiculous attempts to make things rough on someone the reporter did'nt like.
Sorry for hijacking... just wanted to do some follow-up.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
been operating one for 10 years, Got "certified" way 10 years ago at the hardware store I worked at by watching a video. Had no idea on the osha deal, I guess someone at my co would need to be a trainer cause we have about 10 operaters
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 4
From: northern kentucky
Usually whoever supplies the company with the equipment can do certification classes. My former employer sent me to Portman to be certified. I was the last to go up, my company than had someone take the certified trainer class and then he either trained you how to drive one or recertified you.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: wichita kansas
I was driving a forklift for years and never knew or heard of being a certified forklift operator. Now at the place I currently work we have to watch a video, answer a quiz and do some basics with a hand forklift. It is kind of a joke, but it serves the purpose for certification.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Well...not really, sorry to say. It's a step in the right direction but it won't cover your bosses' butt if there's a forklift accident at your place of work and OSHA finds out your operators aren't certified to their standards.
Here's something I came across on the 'net:
OSHA issued nine serious citations to a pre-cast concrete manufacturer, with proposed penalties of $45,000, for: failing to train forklift operators and require them to wear safety belts; allowing employees to operate trucks that needed repair; and allowing employees, other than the operator, to ride on the equipment. There were other cited safety violations as well.
Here's something I came across on the 'net:
OSHA issued nine serious citations to a pre-cast concrete manufacturer, with proposed penalties of $45,000, for: failing to train forklift operators and require them to wear safety belts; allowing employees to operate trucks that needed repair; and allowing employees, other than the operator, to ride on the equipment. There were other cited safety violations as well.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: north shore, minnesota
Where I work we are certified every year. It's a 15 minute video with a 10 question quiz afterwards, and then a 5 minute drivers test moving a pallet around. I believe OSHA requires getting recertified every 3 years.
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