3 Ways to Avoid Common Compliance Mistakes With Forklift Trucks
Compliance with forklift trucks is a necessity. Without it, accidents would skyrocket. Many organizations don’t meet all the compliance requirements and suffer severe violations. Learn three ways to avoid the some of the most common compliance mistakes.
1. Carry Out Regular Forklift Maintenance
Your company needs to regularly maintain the forklifts to ensure they are safe and in the best operating condition. It will also help you stay compliant with the regulators’ requirements.
Preventive maintenance can help to keep forklifts in top working condition. The best way to do this is to create a forklift maintenance program. The program should include a checklist and schedule for daily, monthly, and annual maintenance.
2. Always Use The Best Forklift Training
Forklift operator training is a priority when it comes to compliance. According to law, operators must have the proper training to use forklifts safely. It protects not only your company but the forklift operators and other employees.
The old traditional approaches of training do provide necessary training. However, there are now more advanced ways to train forklift operators, in which companies track driver behavior more objectively. This information can assist companies in creating more detailed analyses and reports. Your company can then use the data to justify compliance at all levels.
The Distinct Advantage of Virtual Training
Virtual training is a more modern approach to meeting your compliance obligations. Forklift Simulator, the inventor of the world’s first virtual reality forklift simulator, provides such training. The company is already helping to set industry standards.
Companies find virtual training more enjoyable and engaging for trainers and operators. It’s a more flexible approach to forklift training, as companies can use a customizable solution.
Virtual training is also raising the bar when it comes to training. Gamification makes the activity more exciting and helps build operators’ confidence, while tracking their results in an objective, unbiased way. Results show that operator skills increase quickly due to their higher interest levels.
3. Follow The Correct Handling And Stacking Procedures
Finally, following the proper load handling and stacking requirements for forklifts is essential. It can ensure the safety and stability of the load on the forklift truck. It also gives protection to the operator and anybody else in the area.
When it comes to stacking, there are different stacking heights, low level, eye level, and high level. All forklift operators need training on how to deal with the different heights. Likewise, they need detailed training on how to stack and de-stack correctly.
Why comply?
Following the three areas above can raise compliance levels across your organization. You might already have a handle on some of these areas. However, there is always room for improvement when it comes to compliance.
Remember, not following forklift regulations can lead to severe consequences to both life and property. That is why OSHA has fines that can reach up to $130,000 per offense. Maintenance and safety protocols are essential to keep your workplace safe. Handling and stacking procedures are also there for a reason.
New rules and regulations will keep coming. Staying on top of them is critical, whatever your industry. A customizable approach, such as virtual forklift training, is ideal. It also helps create a more standardized system for compliance.
Following compliance obligations and regulations is a priority when using forklifts. Find out what you need to check in your workplace to ensure compliance. Use this information to boost your compliance levels and avoid compliance violations.
The next article in this series will go into more detail about the connection between forklift safety and compliance and the benefits of virtual training.
Article written in partnership with 
