Washington State Forklift Training

Forklifts are helpful machines, but potentially deadly in untrained hands.

Forklifts can increase workplace efficiency by allowing workers to move huge loads from place to place quickly and easily. However, forklifts are also involved in nearly 100 workplace deaths and 20,000 injuries each year, according to the Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Because of these grim statistics, Washington State requires that forklift operators understand how to run their equipment safely.

Types of Training

Washington State does not offer any kind of official certification for forklift operators, instead requiring employers to train their own staff in safe forklift practices. While this training does not result in official certification, the Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health requires employers to give employees training that includes formal instruction, hands-on training and a written evaluation of the employee's ability to do the job assigned.

Formal Training

Formal training may include classroom lectures or computer-based or written training on the theoretical aspects of forklift operations. This formal training should clearly explain to trainees how driving a forklift differs from driving a car and how to find a forklift's maximum weight capacity. Training should also cover concepts like "center of gravity," how loading the forklift affects the center of gravity and how to inspect a forklift prior to using it.

Hands-On Training

Employers must conduct hands-on training for employees, using the same model of forklift the employees will use on the job. The work surface should also be the same as or substantially similar to the work surface at the job site. By the end of this training segment, trainees should be able to load and unload a forklift properly in a situation similar to those they will meet on the job. Trainees should also understand how to plan a safe route for a loaded forklift, and should be familiar with any specific hazards they are likely to meet on the job.

Evaluation

Trainees must receive an evaluation of their skills from a person who is qualified to assess these skills. This person does not need to have any special certification, but must have a demonstrated ability to recognize and practice safe forklift operation, according the Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Records

Employers need to keep a record of the forklift training employees have received. These records must include the name of the employee, dates of training and evaluation, and the name of the trainer and evaluator. In the event of an accident, investigators may ask to see these records to verify that an employer was in fact training employees to work safely with forklifts.

Reevaluation

Employers need to reevaluate employees' forklift skills at least once every three years. In addition, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health recommends checking up on employees even more regularly to ensure that they are following safety guidelines. This also allows employers to offer additional training, if necessary, before a workplace accident occurs.

References

• Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health: Forklift Safety Guide

Resources

• Oregon OSHA: Forklift Safety Training Course