The Importance of Training
Training breeds competence. It can also instill a safety-first mindset into employees so that they’re engineered and encouraged to think safety forward. Training is best when it’s accessible, frequent, high quality, and up-to-date with trends.
A comprehensive and easy-to-understand employee training program is critical to the success and health of the organization. The best operators can act as trainers. This active teacher method is great because it utilizes their first-hand experience to apply theory to practice. Train-the-trainer programs are great ways to get operators equipped to teach. It can also give them the necessary skills to conduct inspections and workshops on the floor.
Supervisor Contribution To Safety
Supervisors are there to encourage and lead their teams. When they consistently share positive feedback with the operators, they’re ensuring that the operators will repeat this good behavior and will also increase morale. Training for supervisors is also highly recommended to ensure safe-operating habits and reduce the possibility of more extensive training in the future.
By becoming active in the safety culture and pointing out certain hindrances to safety on the floor, the supervisor can really affect the longevity of their employees. By relying on their training, they can come equipped to work with a subconscious grasp of what to focus on and watch out for.
Staying up to date with equipment and understanding the new trends of technology are both great ways supervisors can increase the safety of the workplace. Educating their employees and operators on the updated equipment and technology is a great way to become more aware of workflow.
Rule enforcement will also become easier to accomplish and spot as supervisors acknowledge the importance of safety measures.
Hiring Competent Operators
It’s important to hire competent operators. Evaluation of experience, training, and background is necessary to ensure that a person is right for the job. A competent operator is someone who can show up and do the work with a positive attitude and high attention to detail so they can easily spot safety issues. They must have regard for the safety of the team and be naturally prone to speak up or take the lead when safety is threatened.
Be Safe
Forklift safety is best accomplished with the proper training for supervisors and operators, as well as including solid hiring practices and constantly evaluating the proper safety measures.
For over 30 years, American Surplus Inc. has been working with customers to meet all their warehousing needs around the country. Call one of our knowledgeable sales associates today!
