Strategy to Rapidly Train and Onboard New Forklift Operators

Employers need to develop a strategy to get new workers through job interviews, training courses, certification, and onboarding processes as quickly and safely as possible. In addition to sales and service, Ring Power Lift Trucks also provides OSHA approved training for your forklift operators. 

Forklifts are the true workhorses of many industries including manufacturing, distribution centers, warehouses, and big box stores. With unemployment at all time lows, it’s becoming increasingly         difficult to find and hire certified forklift operators. To effectively deal with this problem and to keep business moving, employers need to develop a strategy to get new workers through the job interview, training courses, certification, and onboarding processes as quickly and safely as possible.

Onboarding

From their first day on the job, the trainees should be equipped with a basic understanding of the company culture and the environment in which they’ll be working. They should be made to feel welcome by their trainers, supervisors, and fellow workers so they can successfully assimilate into the group. As a part of the onboarding process, they should be instructed on how their new roles fit into the overall operation of the company.

Training

Once a prospective employee is hired, they have to go through an extensive training program. OSHA requires that all forklift operators receive certification on the specific equipment they’ll be using, and many forklift dealers will offer training for certification. Forklift training consists of two main parts, written and hands-on. 

• Written training - this provides trainees with the basics of all of the functions of their forklift. The training materials include various knowledge checks throughout to make sure that the trainee is absorbing the information they’re reading. In addition to the specific functions and controls of the forklift they’ll be operating, the curriculum has a strong focus on safety. In this phase, the trainees will be coached on safety aspects ranging from wearing a seat belt to how to avoid accidents.
• Hands-on – this training is carried out by an instructor with the trainee and the equipment they are to use. The trainees are able to activate the controls they read about previously, and their performance is closely observed and critiqued.

Certification

Upon completion of the training and all assessments, the new operator will obtain a certification that’s good for three years. After three years, refresher courses are offered to renew their certification.

Ring Power Lift Trucks is the premier forklift dealer in Florida with a broad range of forklifts as well as other materials handling equipment. In addition to sales and service, we also provide OSHA approved training for your forklift operators. We represent all of the leading forklift manufacturers and can work with you to select a new or used forklift for your operation. We also offer short term and long term forklift rentals. We serve Jacksonville, Sarasota, and many other locations in Florida, and our services go beyond sales and rentals. We can also supply you with forklift parts and service to minimize your downtime.

If you would like any more information about the products or services we offer, visit our website or reach out to us at 877-544-5438.