Who Is Drivng Your Forklift? Did you give him the keys?

Let’s face it; forklifts represent the most significant risk for injury or death in many business workplaces. We have all read stories of inexperienced or non authorized people jumping on a lift truck and making a fatal mistake. I always think, how could this be allowed to happen? Where is the training? Where are the workplace rules? Where is the discipline? Where the hell are the keys to the lift truck?

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This morning I read a news item where a forklift was used by a thirsty thief to break into a rural store. Evidently the truck was parked outside overnight with the key in the ignition. The bad guy used the truck to crash through a wall to gain access. Once inside, he liberated the beer cooler leaving a mess and insurance claim. My guess is the thief was already “beered up” when he stumbled across the forklift. Imagine his surprise when it started with a twist of the key. I wonder how much the store owner will have to pony up to cover his deductible and new insurance premium. There is a simple solution, secure your equipment during closure periods by removing the key.

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Discipline, there's a loaded word. My first experience with discipline arrived compliments of my father and usually involved a swat on the bottom. I am no child psychologist but it seemed to work for me. I am not suggesting spanking as a management tool but there has to be consequences when you see even the smallest infraction of workplace safety rules.  If you discipline consistently, people will understand and obey the rules.

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“Rules? What rules?” If that is the response your employees will give to the OSHA Inspector, look out because you probably have a fine in your future. Rules and policies that govern the use of you forklift are a critical component a workplace safety program. If your people cannot generally quote or at least show where your forklift rules are posted, your forklift safety program is broken. Heaven forbid an injury occurs and one of your highly trained employees is deposed by that attorney who runs ads on your local late night news channel. You can have a file cabinet full of documents but if employees are not properly trained, chances for accidents are greatly increased. Setting and enforcing rules make a lasting impression on people that sticks in both the concious and unconcious mind. 

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These are daunting issues for all businesses but small operations are at greatest risk. Few small companies have the resources to hire a safety engineer let alone afford the time for training programs. Even larger companies have cut costs so deep that training has suffered. Yes, it may seem like a low priority expense but that is a dangerous thought. All it takes is one serious accident to expose a defective safety and training program.

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Fortunately, there is an army of individuals and small businesses that are willing and competent trainers. They can develop and maintain a quality safety program, conduct the needed training and properly document your required filings. Consider it an investment in your business that will pay dividends in the future. No worries when the OSHA inspector shows up. A program your workers compensation insurer will recognize as legitimate. And if that is not enough return on investment, it just might keep you and your employees safe and secure in the work place. After all, isn’t that what we all want?