New Powered Industrial Truck Training Program In The Works
We pride ourselves on building quality affordable housing with speed and efficiency…
But not at the expense of safety.
We want every single employee to get home safely at the end of the workday, and we’re dedicated to innovation in the construction industry. So, we have innovative programs in place to make sure that happens.
This includes developing an in-house Powered Industrial Truck Training program.
Also known as a forklift, this heavy machinery is used throughout our building process – both in our manufacturing facility and on the construction site. Our employees must be educated in the safe and efficient use of this equipment.
Why does training matter?
Powered industrial trucks are an essential resource on any job site, whether it’s a single/multi-family home, subdivision, or apartment complex.
But they come with some inherent hazards.
Why? Let’s take a look. Forklifts…
- can weigh up to 9,000 pounds – three times that of a passenger car
- can travel at speeds of up to 18 mph
- only have brakes in the front, making them harder to stop
- are heavier in the back to compensate for the heavy loads being carried in the front, making them harder to steer
- are turned by the rear wheels, causing the rear end to swing outward, increasing the chance of tipping over during tight turns
- carry loads in the front, potentially obstructing the view of the driver
- are often used to raise heavy, awkward, and oversized loads to considerable heights, a combination that is always a hazard
Source: McCue
The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provides data on workplace accidents, and the numbers on forklift incidents tell a troubling story.
Forklifts account for 85 deaths, 34,900 serious injuries, and 61,800 non-serious injuries annually.
So, we know there’s a risk – but here’s where we can make an impact with our training programs. Because OSHA also estimates that if companies committed to more stringent training to their standards, 70% of these accidents could be prevented.
At ICG Builds, we want to be part of that goal.
Training beyond the basics
Powered industrial trucks are one of the most common pieces of equipment at ICG.
They’re used to move lumber, trusses, and other building materials in a fraction of the time it would take a crew. They’re quick, powerful, and efficient…but also one of the most significant hazards on a job site.
Our Powered Industrial Truck Training program will focus on sit-down forklifts – the kind most often used at ICG, both off-site and on-site.
Our training will focus on two types of employees:
1. Certified powered industrial truck operators
Our in-house training program won’t certify operators, but it will align with OSHA standards and, like all our safety training programs, will align all the staff to our specific standards and procedures.
It will include topics like:
- Inspection of the equipment at the beginning of each shift to prevent potential safety hazards or mechanical failures
- How to operate the equipment, including,
- Lift limits
- Driving in areas with pedestrians
- Transporting loads
- Assessing visibility
- Lifting and moving oversized or awkward loads
These courses will be delivered to every new employee to get them on the same page and our existing operators to be a refresher on both the OHSA standards and our additional strict ICG standards.
2. Non-certified employees
Part of our safety philosophy involves personal responsibility.
We give our entire team, both off-site and on-site, the best information and resources possible so they know how to safeguard themselves and their workmates.
So, while we’re counting on our forklift operators to adhere to our high standards of operation, it’s also the responsibility of those working around them to do their part.
That’s why we’ll train our non-certified employees’ safety standards for moving around a worksite while powered industrial trucks are in use to prevent accidents.
Our commitment to safety continues
This new training program is part of our ongoing commitment to have the highest standards in the industry.
For new employees, these programs will help them understand our expectations. For existing employees, they’ll serve as a reminder of our goals for workplace safety.
One of the many reasons we’re able to deliver our products on time and budget is that our entire team works with confidence. That confidence comes, in part, from understanding safety protocols so the team can avoid problems before they happen.
Our training programs are driven by a desire to safeguard our employees, prevent loss of life and life-altering injuries. We consider our employees to be our family. Keeping them safe is simply the right thing to do.
But it’s also good business. When your team is running smoothly and safely, and everyone is able to show up on the job site healthy and ready to go, your timelines and commitments can be met.
We’ll continue to expand our training programs and, as a team, deliver an exceptional product on time, on budget…and safely. Want to learn more? Contact us.
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