This Winter 2000 IVES Update Newsletter edition covers WCB Regulations on re-certification requirements, accident reports, online ordering, a guide to forklift operator back pain, TrainTrak and more.
Operator Re-certification May Be Required Sooner Than Every 2 Years
WCB Regulation 16.7(j) requires compliance with CSA Standard B335-94. Item 7 of this standard requires “refresher and upgrading courses.” More specifically this regulation requires…
- A theoretical and practical re-assessment to be performed on an on-going basis. Refresher training courses (tailored to the individual needs) must be held at intervals NOT EXCEEDING 2 years. More frequently in case of accident or incident (ie: an injury producing accident, a near miss, product damage, etc) attributable to operator error.
- Upgrade training courses must be provided when new equipment is purchased or existing equipment is modified, when workplace conditions change (ie: different work area or different types of loads) and when applicable legislation changes.
- The length of the upgrade training shall be determined by the type and amount of information to be given.
- The operator must pass a final assessment before he/she can be certified and/or authorized to operate a truck.
In other words, you will need to re-evaluate your operators at least once every 2 years (or more frequently). If the operator passes the re-evaluation, you may re-certify him/her. If the evaluation indicates that teh operator’s knowledge or skills have declined, you will be obliged to provide refresher training in those specific topic areas identified by the evaluation.
If the operator failed in a number of areas, you may decide to put the operator through a complete operator training program again.
Note that “refresher” training is not the same as “upgrade” training. If anything in the operator’s job changes (ie: equipment or workplace conditions) you must provide further training and testing.
To help employers comply with this re-evaluation requirement, Ives’ offers a NEW Operator Re-certification Package. It includes a RE-certification Notepad, which enables instructors to re-test and recertify up to 8 previously trained operators for a low per operator cost of $3.17; and an Evaluators Guide, which is recommended as a one-time purchase item for $8.35. Non-Ives instructors can purchase these kits at a slightly higher cost.
Accident Reports
Never work between an unsecured forklift mast and frame
A mechanic climbed between the mast assembly and the operator’s protective structure to reach the hydraulic equipment that he was servicing. Unfortunately he didn’t first turn off the key, disconnect the batter, or block off the mast to prevent it from moving. While tightening parts of the hydraulic system, he accidentally hit the tilt-mast control with his foot. The mast jumped backward crushing him against the overhead guard extension on the frame (which had an unauthorized modification). He died from internal injuries shortly after the accident.
- Ensure that all workers receive adequate safety training.
- Lock out control devices against inadvertent movement before servicing equipment.
- Maintain mobile equipment in safe operating condition and ensure that all modifications are carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never work on unsecured equipment
A warehouse worker was trying to replace a cotter pin on a forklift mast. To operate the controls from his working position, he placed his body between the forklift mast and the forklift frame. As he was manipulating the mast control lever to align the pin holes to insert the pin, he moved the control lever, releasing the mast. The mast shifted, pinning him against the frame and killing him.
- Provide and review with workers written safe work procedures on maintaining and repairing mobile equipment.
- Do not enter an area made hazardous by elevated objects unless additional safeguards (ie: blocking) are in place.
- Maintain all equipment.
Accident Story: A Court Case
A welder was welding a metal canopy frame, standing on a makeshift platform mounted on the forks of a raised forklift mast. The platform was two 1×8 boards placed between the forks of the forklift (not on an approved work platform). While standing on the platform, the welder asked a co-worker to reposition the forklift so that he could weld another part of the canopy. As his co-worker moved the forklift, the co-worker’s foot slipped off the brake, activating the forward foot control. The forklift suddenly surged forward, trapping and fatally crushing the welder between the metal canopy frame and the forklift mast.
Ives served as “Expert Witness” in this case. Though there were many more details regarding this accident, the general conclusion was that…
- The operator should have received adequate instruction and had demonstrated to a supervisor or instructor that he was a competent operator. (This responsibility did not only belong to the employer, but also to the owner of the rented vehicle and to the operator.)
- The operator should have been familiar with the operating instructions pertaining to the vehicle. (The operator should have had vehicle-specific training).
- The operator should have been authorized to operate the equipment (The owner of the rented vehicle should have ensured that the operator was authorized prior to loaning the equipment).
- The operator should have used a CSA/ANSI approved elevated work platform.
- The operator should not have moved the forklift with the worker elevated on the platform.
As a result of Ives’ expert opinion on this case, the company and the lift truck driver pleaded guilty to all charges. The company had to pay a substantial fine and undertake a comprehensive, written safety program. The lift truck driver also had to pay a substantial fine and was ordered to enroll in the BC Safety Council’s operator certification class (which of course is Ives’ operator certification class).
Apart from the requirement of proper operator training in this case, it is important to note that a “company engaging equipment owned by another is still under an obligation within the regulations to ensure not only the proper function of the equipment by its employees, but also the proper outfitting and maintenance of the equipment itself.”
“Say No! to Back Pain” – A Vital Resource Guide For Every Lift Truck Operator
Forklift operators are at risk of experiencing some form of pain and discomfort int he neck, back, knees, feet and ankles. They pains, whether they come from sudden injuries or from cumulative wear and tear, could prevent an operator as some point in his/her life from working all together.
For the health and well-being of your operators, employers must implement some preventive measures. To help employers accomplish this objective, Ives now offers a comprehensive booklet, entitled “Say No! to Back Pain – A Lift Truck Operator’s Guide to a Healthy Back and Body,” produced by Kathy Hillborn, Physical Therapist.
Specifically designed for the forklift operator, this little booklet is full of tips and strategies to prevent sudden serious injuries and common repetitive strain injuries. This 46 page booklet is a vital “must-have” for every one of your forklift operators. For only $11 per operator it is a minimal investment compared to the high cost of downtime and reduced productivity resulting from operator injures.
Ordering is Now Made Easier!
We’re working towards making your life easier. Following are some of the changes we’ve implemented:
- Order via the internet: previously you only had the options of ordering by phone, fax or mail. Now we’ve put an order form and price list directly onto our website. Anyone with internet access can submit their order online.
- Order with your credit card: previously we only worked on an “invoicing” basis. In other words, you had to get a purchase order number from your purchasing department and we sent the invoice to you with your order. Now you can avoid all the paperwork and order directly with your Visa or MasterCard.
- Order Forms/Price lists included with your packages: We’ve always put a copy of the order form/price list in the back of your instructor’s manual; however, these were either hard to find or became out of date. To ensure that you have the most accurate and up to date order form, we are including a copy with each one of your orders. When you receive these forms be sure to keep them in a safe place, such as in back of your instructor’s manual or with your training kits, for the next time you wish to order.
WCB WorkSafe Recognition
The WCB would like to make you aware that not all occupational health and safety courses are equal. Only a few of the many training courses available have WCB WorkSafe Recognition.
In 1997, the BC Safety Council submitted Ives’ Lift Truck Instructor and Operator Certification programs for recognition. The program content, lesson plans, training materials, and our instructors’ professional profiles were all submitted to undergo a detailed scrutiny. The program had to meet a number of WCB WorkSafe Program criteria to gain recognition. Effective July 2, 1997 our BC Safety Council-sponsored programs were awarded with WCB WorkSafe recognition. (To confirm this fact you can go to WCB’s website at www.worksafebc.com/pubs/coursetrain/providers/educ-trng4.asp)
To be recognized under WCB WorkSafe Program criteria, training programs must relate to the key cause of injury and disease in high-risk sectors or a requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. WEB-recognized courses must be sponsored by an industry association, a trade union, a non-profit occupational health and safety training organization, or a WCB Prevention Manager.
The WCB forewarns prospective buyers to inquire whether or not a WCB/Education Partner Certificate is issued (or available). If no such certificate is offered, the program is NOT recognized under the WCB WorkSafe program. Those who participate in our BC Safety Council-sponsored 4-day Lift Truck Instructor Certification Program, or the 2-day Lift Truck Instructor Certification program, or the 1-day Lift Truck Operator program are entitled to this WCB WorkSafe Certificate. To inquire further, contact the BC Safety Council.
Lift Truck Rally Winners
Congratulations to all the winners of the Canadian Materials Handling & Distribution Society’s BC Championship Lift Truck Rally, held in May 1999.
Counterbalanced Division
Jack Drew, Dairyworld
Darren Kinney, Sears
Travis Carnahan, London Drugs
Stand-up Reach Division
Shawn Silverstone, DSL
Russ Cudmore, Serca (Neptune)
Travis Carnahan, London Drugs
Walkie Rider Division
Mark Turnbull, Serca (Neptune)
Todd Fast, Serca (Neptune)
Paul Prevost, Zellers
Again many of the winners were from companies where Ives provided Instructor or operator training.
Revised Operator Training Materials
We have re-designed and upgraded our Lift Truck Operator Training Materials. The new training kits include a 72 page Operator Workbook and a Certification folder, complete with theory test, 2 practical evaluations, a full sized certificate, a wallet size certificate and a record sheet. With two extra items (the folder and the full sized certificate) the cost has raised a slight 87 centers. When you call to order, be sure to quote your instructor certification number so that you’ll get this preferred Ives Certified Instructor price of $25.37.
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