Safety 101: Operator Training
The use of mobile equipment such as forklifts can pose significant safety risks to operators, pedestrians, and the organization as a whole. Recent labor shortages have increased that risk for many organizations making it more important than ever that companies focus on mobile equipment safety.
Employee turnover and labor shortages can harm safety performance in many ways. For example, new employees hired to replace workers who have left may not have the same level of experience or training in operating equipment, which can lead to mistakes and accidents.
When companies are short-staffed, workers may feel pressured to work faster and take shortcuts, which can increase risk. Increased pressure also means maintenance and inspection of equipment may get skipped or delayed, leading to equipment failure and accidents. Existing workers may have to work longer hours or take on additional responsibilities, leading to increased stress and fatigue, which can result in mistakes and accidents, especially when operating heavy machinery.
Continuous Training is Essential
The best way to address these issues is with an increased focus on operator training. Continuous training is essential for equipment safety because it helps operators stay up to date with new equipment, changing environments, and regulations while reinforcing best practices.
Equipment is constantly evolving, and new models may come with new features or operating procedures that require additional training. In addition, work environments can change and safety regulations get updated - equipment operators need to be able to adapt to these changes.
Constant safety training reinforces good habits and ensures best practices are fresh in operators' minds.
Safe Operation and Safety Features
Safe operation and safety features are critical components of any equipment safety training program. Train employees on pre-operational checks and safe operating procedures, such as how to properly position equipment, pick up and move loads safely, and operate in different environments. Understanding load capacity and how to properly load and unload materials is essential to prevent tipping or overloading. In addition, it is important that operators understand how to manoeuvre in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in other challenging situations.
Fatal interactions between pedestrians and equipment are far too common. That's why it's crucial to train operators to communicate with pedestrians and maintain proper visibility when operating equipment. Companies also need to ensure that every piece of equipment they use has the proper safety features and that their teams understand how to use them. For example, most forklifts have safety features like overhead guards, seatbelts, backup alarms, stabilizers, emergency shut-offs, and tilt and angle indicators. Proper training is essential for equipment safety, and certain types of safety equipment come standard on equipment, but human error is still a real threat.
SEEN Safety
Companies can supplement their equipment safety efforts by investing in additional safety devices and solutions like forklift pedestrian detection devices. SEEN Safety's pedestrian detection system is one solution. The system detects the reflective tape on high-visibility safety vests and alerts operators whenever someone enters a predetermined area around forklifts and other mobile machines. The proven effectiveness of SEEN's pedestrian detection solutions means companies can rest comfortably knowing that pedestrians and equipment are protected.
In conclusion, operator training is critical to ensuring mobile equipment safety, especially during times of employee turnover and labor shortages. By providing continuous training that covers safe operation, safety features, and pedestrian safety, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer workplace. Additionally, investing in additional safety solutions like SEEN Safety's pedestrian detection system can provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind for workers and pedestrians alike.