Equipment Training Isn’t Optional

Understanding that equipment training isn’t optional is a major key to a safe workplace. Since 2015 the United States Department of Justice has a special task force designed to make those responsible for catastrophes accountable. What does all of this mean to you? Instead of your local prosecutor getting to determine what charges will be filed, and who they will be charged against. Charges will be issued by the federal government, and everyone responsible, including the supervisor, can face charges.

It simply isn’t worth the risk to the safety of anyone working at your site to have an untrained individual operating a heavy piece of equipment. Equipment training usually consists of one to three hours of classroom training, and an hour or so of hands on activities. This initial safety training is designed to get you or your employee familiar with how to operate, and the safe-operating procedures of the equipment. Supervised use of the equipment should take place after the initial equipment training.

You can simply search “forklift accidents” on YouTube and see for yourself all types of horrible incidents and fatalities. The dangers of operating equipment with untrained individuals is real.

Remember that equipment isn’t optional and to ensure each employee receives refresher training every 2 to 3 years at a minimum. A best practice would be to have each employee have a refresher course each year, but the standards allow for more. So, choose what works best for you.

To discover the exact training requirements for the equipment you use simply click on the following link OSHA Training Requirements.

Equipment Training Isn't Optional

Equipment Training Isn’t Optional

By: Scott Teepe Jr.