We take health and safety seriously – make sure your team and safe, and legally compliant.
Two facts about powered lift trucks have made them a priority for the Ontario Ministry of Labour: their use in thousands of workplaces and their continuing role as a significant cause of serious worker injury and death.
A Ministry study, Hazards of Powered Lift Truck Operations in Ontario Workplaces 1990-1995, provides a graphic picture. Between 1990 and 1995, powered lift trucks were involved in 136 critical injuries, affecting 143 persons and resulting in 18 worker deaths. A common feature of many of these incidents was a failure to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.
In January 1997, the Guideline for the Safe Operation of Powered Lift Trucks was published. It had two parts. One part outlined the main elements to be included in an effective powered lift truck safety program; the second part described the knowledge and skills required by a worker in order to be a “competent” operator of a powered lift truck.
In 1998, the Ministry released for comment a draft of a second guideline: Guideline for the Maintenance of Powered Lift Trucks. It gave employers, workers, manufacturers and maintenance contractors straightforward advice on what the Ministry expects to be done to ensure that powered lift trucks are maintained in a safe condition and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Click here to learn more about the Ministry of Labour Guidelines for the Safe Operation and Maintenance of Powered Lift Trucks.
As safety is a priority at Lift North America, we are proud to offer forklift driver training, which certifies drivers for two years under any employer. We can train at your facility or ours; all us at (888) 305-3331 or email info@liftnorthamerica.co
More information on our safety certification courses can also be found here.