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Sending operators to forklift training to improve safety and increase efficiency isn’t just a good idea. It’s actually an OSHA requirement. And while this remains the case, too often, forklift training is neglected and the result is injured associates, damaged product, and equipment downtime. In fact, OSHA finds that a full 25% of forklift accidents can be traced back to a lack of proper forklift training. Your chances at avoiding such hardships increases when you make the initial and annual investment in training. And on top of just avoiding hardship, there are clear benefits to making sure operators are trained:
Need more information on the benefits of forklift training? Here are four in-depth benefit profiles.
The benefits of forklift training are primarily focused on the safety of your people. And that should be the focus. But there are some additional benefits that are worth considering when operators go-to forklift training.
Return on Investment
Productivity is key to making sure that your various investments are worth their initial cost. When a forklift operator is injured as a result of an on-the-job accident, not only are they out of commission for a certain period of time, their forklift is shut out of the supply chain. Every minute you have an injured employee can cost you thousands of dollars per hour! Taking the time to ensure operators are trained in safety protocols can help them avoid accidents and injury. In the meantime, you’ll maximize your ROI.
Better Working Conditions
Safety training can help operators to better understand their equipment and daily tasks. When operators know how to be safe, they will also be more comfortable on the job. When all employees know that operators are trained effectively, they will be less worried about accidents and more confident working in forklift environments. Low stress means better working conditions that lead to higher productivity.
Decreased Maintenance Costs
Maintenance on forklifts can get expensive, especially when that maintenance is unplanned and the result of preventable on-the-job accidents. When operators are trained on safety procedures, they are more likely to avoid costly mistakes that can result in damaged products or forklift equipment.
Insurance Costs
Many insurance companies will reduce costs of worker’s compensation coverage when provided with a clear demonstration of operator safety training.
Believing in the value of forklift training and actually getting certified for forklift training are two different stories. But your Toyota forklift dealer can provide forklift safety training programs for all your operators. It’s important to remember that operators must be certified on all types of forklifts that they drive. Being trained on a sit-down counter-balanced forklift like a Toyota IC Cushion does not mean that an operator is necessarily qualified to drive an order picker. When you acquire a new kind of material handling equipment, make sure you’re in contact with your Toyota forklift dealer about training your operators. And make sure any new associate that is hired is properly trained as well.
So, what can Toyota dealers do to help you properly manage site safety at your facility? Every Toyota forklift dealership offers safety-related programs and products, including, but not limited to:
For more information about Toyota forklift training or to request a quote, please contact your locally authorized Toyota dealer.