Act First Safety Introduces Free Forklift Operator Training Guide and Re-Evaluation Manual

Toronto, Canada, December 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Act First Safety introduced a free guide titled “Performing Lift Truck Practical Skills Evaluations” to assist employers in understanding the training intervals for lift truck operators.

Years after the introduction of the current Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B335-04, Safety Standard for Lift Trucks released in 2004, employers continue to question the training and re-evaluation intervals for their operators. “Performing Lift Truck Practical Skills Evaluations” provides an overview of the training requirements outlined in the standard and the importance of the new training intervals in preventing accidents. The guide reinforces employer requirements and how to evaluate operator practical skills on a regularly scheduled basis.

Changes to the standard from a two year theoretical/practical evaluation to a three year theoretical/practical evaluation with an 18-month interval practical evaluation was prompted because of persistent accidents in the workplace. For instance, in Ontario, fatalities and injuries continue to occur.

Between 2003 and 2007, as a result of industrial incidents involving lift trucks, reach trucks, forklifts and tow motors:

13 workers died(1)
Average 793 incidents per year(2)
Average 67 days lost-time claim(3)

As a result, maintaining diligence in safe operating practices is always encouraged.

For more information and a free copy of the guide, call 416-283-7233 or visit www.ActFirstSafety.ca.

(1)Ontario Ministry of Labour
(2)Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario, 1996-2008
(3)Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario)

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