I'm sure all of you at some point have received the solicitation with the ominous warning in bold letters stating: Each Employee Operating a Forklift Must Be Trained, Evaluated and Certified.
OSHA standard states that: Employers are to provide training for each operator regardless of their prior experience and safe driving record. Written proof shall indicate that operators have received site and equipment specific training. Documentation is to be kept on file and made available when on-site inspections are conducted (by OSHA). Failure to comply with this regulation could result in fines up to $7,000 per untrained operator.
New Requirement? -- NO
In fact, OSHA first issued this regulation in the early 1970's to help curtail rising forklift related accidents. Yet, the fact remains that forklift related accidents have continued to rise over the years.
Forklift accidents occur with people who have been trained on forklift safety because...people are people. Sometimes people forget the basic fundamentals of safety and sometimes people break the rules.
You don't need to believe us. We found these videos on YouTube™ demonstrating the potential risk. See for yourself!
These videos found on YouTube™ are representative of the safety risk that forklifts represent; however, we do not warrant the authenticity of the videos as actual accidents.
- Over the last 5-years, the conversion to alternative forklift systems has been one of the top initiatives of major plants in the U.S.
- Forklift alternative systems do not eliminate the need for forklifts but limit their use to designated “red zone” areas where human and forklift traffic can be more safely controlled.
- Forklift alternative systems employ flexible carts, tugs, lifts and conveyors along with other ergonomic devices to safely and efficiently handle material.
- K-Tec engineers provide support ranging from material flow analysis to equipment design to manufacturing of complete systems to make your plant safe and efficient. See for yourself.
Call us at 440-943-4111 to learn more about getting started with forklift alternative solutions.
Larry Tyler
President, K-Tec
Where materials flow by design
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 I'm Larry Tyler. This is our first issue of a bi-monthly communication to highlight concepts and applications for forklift alternatives in material handling. We promise to deliver thought-provoking ideas and hope that you will stay with us. If you no longer wish to receive information from K-Tec, please unsubscribe.
Get the full scoop in this article which recently appeared in Twin Plants magazine.
 This flat deck cart with presentation upper enables parts to be easily displayed to operator. Eliminates packaging and other obstacles line-side.
Continue to flat deck cart
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