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It’s not uncommon for people in management positions to neglect getting forklift safety refresher courses. This happens for a variety of reasons; they feel that letting their certifications expire doesn’t pose a threat if they’re not operating the equipment daily, their attention might be being pulled in many different directions, and budgetary constraints may dissuade them from making the investment. However, it’s critically important that managers stay up to date on their forklift safety training so that they can better understand their role and lead by example.
It’s recommended that all forklift operators receive refresher training every three years, or after an accident occurs. Read on for more on why it’s important that supervisors and associates receive forklift safety refresher courses regularly.
Increased warehouse safety for all associates
Safety should always be the top priority. If the management team is doing their part to ensure that all operators are up to date on forklift safety training, then they should also be educated about the latest OSHA requirements, best practices, and safety equipment and parts themselves. Leading by example is a huge component of leadership and critical to maintaining a culture of safety. If the leadership of a company isn’t demonstrating that they place value in safety training for themselves, consider what message that sends to the rest of the team.
The other important aspect to consider is that the more comfortable people get in their day-to-day work, the more likely they are to become complacent and begin neglecting important safety practices. Forklift safety refresher courses are a great way to reignite an interest in safety and shed light on safety concerns that may have been going overlooked. Refresher courses will benefit both staff and management in this way.
Cost benefits of forklift safety training
In most cases, companies will pay for forklift training programs. This is a huge benefit to associates, but it may put some pressure on the annual budget. It’s important to remember that proper forklift safety training is an investment. The cost of initial training is often very low compared to costs that can be incurred as a result of poor safety practices.
Remember that the loss of a life can be prevented with proper training and at the end of the day, people are any business’s most valuable asset. Workplace injuries come with the cost of downtime for the operation and expensive workers’ compensation payments. Beyond that, costs associated with damaged equipment and product can add up quickly when preventable accidents occur.
Added flexibility for management
The confidence and peace of mind afforded when managers are up to date with their own forklift certifications is priceless. The more intimate management is with current safety practices, the better they’ll be able to assess if their staff are up to date with training and are routinely following safety procedures. Knowing that their team is operating safely and productively allows managers to give their team independence, and it allows them to devote more focus to strategic objectives that move the business forward.
In the event that there is a forklift safety incident, management and staff can apply what they’ve learned in their forklift safety refresher courses and handle it in the best way possible.
ProLift’s team of safety experts will find a forklift safety training program that’s tailored to your company’s needs. We offer monthly forklift operator and train the trainer courses in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Find a time that’s right for you.