Mentor FLT training stressed that employers should ensure the care responsibility of agent staff and put forward suggestions on how to ensure their safety when working on site. Sometimes companies require temporary forklift operators to join their workforce. Many companies have experienced similar situations in the past year, whether providing support during busy periods or during periods of staff shortage. Temporary or agency workers are often required to supplement the labor force and improve efficiency.
Unless they are familiar with the layout of the forklift, there may be a high risk of personal injury, equipment damage or damage to the operators of the forklift. As a result of reduced productivity, approved forklift operators should emphasize the need for special risk management in the specification (l117). Research shows that workers are four times more likely to have accidents in their first month of employment than at any other time.
We often see institutional workers injured in serious accidents involving workplace transportation. Recently, a paper recycling company was fined ? 600000 for a fatal crush injury suffered by a 20-year-old institutional worker while working in a factory in London. An HSE investigation revealed serious errors related to operator competence and supervision.
The employer has the same legal responsibility to the agent staff as to all employees - and the following three simple steps can ensure that any new operator can improve his ability and confidence in his work. Any operator who has received formal training shall obtain a certificate that they have successfully completed the basic training of the designated category of forklift.
1、 Provide appropriate training
Just because employees are temporary employees, safety responsibilities still apply during this period. Before using material handling equipment on site, operators must receive comprehensive training, otherwise they will pose a danger to themselves and the people around them, and increase the risk of accidents, interruptions and productivity delays. This must cover all three elements of forklift training (foundation, specific work and familiarity) and should provide any additional supervision required so that new beginners can safely start working with colleagues.
2、 Keep written authorization records
After completing all relevant training, the employer must provide written authorization to the operators before they can use the forklift - this includes temporary workers and surrogate workers. As forklift accidents do have the risk of serious injury (or more serious), there is no sufficient reason to control unqualified personnel.
3、 Whether the forklift operator is a regular employee or not, his personal safety shall be guaranteed
The cost of their training will be minimal, including:
Increase productivity and reduce downtime - research shows that safe workers are more productive workers. Fewer accidents mean less time lost due to cleaning, access closure, or equipment / personnel failure. Lower damage / repair costs - skilled operators can ensure safety because they spend less on lost inventory, forklift and shelf repairs, new pallets, etc.
