Every business in material handling requires a Moffett forklift to carry out daily loading and unloading tasks. But, when it comes to hiring an operator to drive one, the manager often feels difficulty in finding one since there are many myths surrounding the requirements operators have to qualify. Luckily, most of them have no reality to them. This blog post is busting seven myths so your business doesn’t have to face problems while looking for someone to simplify your everyday material handling tasks.
So, without any delay, let’s begin.
Myth#1 Drivers Need Moffett Forklift License to Operate One
This is the first myth that hiring managers face; luckily, it is easy to disprove it. While it is important they get proper training, they don’t need a specific license to drive one. However, it also doesn’t mean you hand it over to someone not knowing about operating a forklift. Even if it is their first time doing such a job, make sure you give them training beforehand to avoid any forklifts accidents.
Myth#2 The Operators Need to Be Trained Every Three Years
Retraining is the biggest disincentive for companies as well as operators. However, 3-years of retraining isn’t required for everyone. It is just true in some cases, which are mentioned below:
- If the driver fails the skills tests that are held every three years.
- If your company decides to change the forklift machine you have been using.
Besides these two conditions, there is no need to ask your forklift operators to retrain every three years.
Myth#3 Learning to Drive Forklift Is Like Learning Any Other Vehicle
Let’s get one thing out of the way; a forklift is nothing like driving other kinds of vehicles, which is why companies need to make sure the drivers should be given forklift-specific training. To begin with, to steer, forklifts use their rear wheels, unlike any other vehicle. Also, the piggyback truck forklifts have a three-point suspension system that handles differently from cars. If the operators aren’t trained properly, the forklift is in danger of swinging out or causing injuries to the driver and people working around it.
Myth#4 Forklift Training Takes A Long Time
It is a common misconception that forklift operators have to be given extensive and long training. If you have a good trainer and program at hand, you can have a driver ready within a week. However, it is recommended not to avoid the training since it is necessary to handle the forklift safely.
Myth#5 The Operators Can Work Anywhere After Certification
Many forklift operators believe if they get certification from one company, they can use it anywhere. But, this isn’t the case! The operators need to be trained whenever the authorities change the type of Moffett forklift. Different forklifts require different training since the operation isn’t the same. The companies need to ensure their operators are up-to-date with their training.
Myth#6 You Save Time and Money Having In-House Team to Perform Weekly Inspections
While it may seem better to have an in-house maintenance team for weekly inspections instead of the operator carrying out all the daily checks, it is against safety and legal compliance.
The operators should carry out daily inspections before their shift to ensure there are no defects or faults. If anything suspicious is detected, the maintenance team will fix the issues. Remember, if any accident happens due to defective equipment, it can result in hefty fines. Also, it puts the operator’s life and people working around it at risk.
Myth#7 There Is No Need of Load Capacity Training If Operator Knows How to Handle Piggyback Truck Forklift
Though forklifts like from Truck Forklifts can carry a good amount of load, it is still important that your operators know the safe amount they can safely handle. When you train drivers to use the forklift, they should also be educated on the load capacity. This way, they’ll be able to know if the truck isn’t sufficiently rated to handle the load. The load shouldn’t be moved if it happens, even when the operators are fully trained.
Another thing to remember is that the operators shouldn’t be allowed to modify the existing trucks by adding longer forks unless the manufacturers authorize it.
These are the most common Moffett forklift misconceptions we have seen around. We hope this guide will help the companies dealing with material-handling business hire suitable candidates to operate the forklift.
Moving on, in the next section, you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about forklift training.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is forklift training a legal requirement?
There is no legal requirement to get a certificate to operate a forklift, but the companies need to provide evidence to their employees upon receiving the relevant training. The operators may need it if they want to get a job somewhere else.
- What do you wear to forklift training?
While operating the forklift, whether it’s training or working day, the operator should wear closed shoes and a safety vest at all times. It will protect them from any sort of injuries.
- What should not be done when operating a forklift?
The most important thing that should be avoided while operating a forklift is standing or walking under the load, as there is always a risk of falling. Also, make sure to keep your feet away from the mast, as it can cause injury.
