I agree Glen. But the problem is the owners, managers & anyone in charge really don't want to spend the money for training, but OSHA requires it, it's the law. Even then they complain about the price and the time it takes to put on an effective training program. With that being said, most will not spend the money, especially with todays economy to buy products such as what you speak about. And they are some good effective ones out there. I take a hard stance when it comes to training. I will not cut my class short to make it more convenient for them. Most want to get by with the bare minumum. What usually helps is when I explain what is the most costly part of doing business. It's the employees. It cost more to hire, train, pay workman's comp and benefits on an employee than it is to buy a new lift! Do you agree?

Wireless proximity and wireless proximity automatic speed control systems are available
I have been designing and engineering wireless safety solutions for the last 5 years, using the latest products available for the overall improved safety of the material handling industries, as well as industries that have in the past been plagued by accidents that should have never happened. The problem Is the companies are unwilling to become proactive, its all to often that the injuries could have been entirely prevented but no one is willing to take into consideration the well being of the employees, only to consider acting after someone has been injured or even killed. Wireless proximity solutions and other toolsare available for a safer work environment.

I agree with John also. I've been in this business for 23 yrs. I've been in Product Support for 14. As a PSSR I'm factory trained as a trainer. It doesn't matter how good, thorough & informative our training is, if no one enforces it after we are gone. Unfortunately a lot of Business Owners just want the certificate to show that their operators have been trained per the OSHA Standard 29CFR, 1910.178. The training is just step 1. If it's not enforced in the work place, it's a waste of time!

I agree John....

No disagreement TC17, but to be effective owner/management, supervision must buy into to it & be actively, involved & committed. You can train all you want but if the company's "police" don't support it, you got paid well for the training but the NASCAR wannabees & the pedestrians wander around like Wal-Mart shoppers are still at it doing the SOSDD, net gain close to "0". Kinda' like the traffic control police that refuse to write tickets unless the driver is going 20 mph over the 55 MPH speed limit - only 40% over the posted limit. Yep, two Atlanta police officers that I never meet before told me that.

What we are saying here, is that forklifts are hazardous pieces of equipment. And without the proper training and education, they can be considered a hazard in the workplace because they can surely destroy someones life. And no different than any motorized vehicle. But even with the proper training and education, their are people out there that show a total disregard for safety, especially with their "TOYS" at home, and we, as safety trainers, have to make sure that the proper information and training is being presented, to make this environment that we work in, A SAFE PLACE FOR US ALL.

Forklifts themselves are not the problem. Proper training on operation in the specific job site and specific truck model is the key as well as pedestrian training.
Most fatal lift truck incidents have pedestrians involved. Even though it is recognized that pedestrians have the right of way, training them to be defensive pedestrians should be part of every employees new hire training wherever sites have lift trucks. Thats why near misses should be fully investigated in these types of incidents. No one ever died from "almost getting run over by a lift truck". Does your site employees have the proper training, pedestrians AND lift truck drivers? Are there ways to seperate the foot traffic from lift truck traffic?

TC 17,
I wouldn't call forklifts a hazard. But the operator & owners maybe the cause of the by not properly training the operators or having the machine properly maintain for the sake of saving a buck or two.
If you feel the forklift is a hazard what about all those automobiles, fast sports cars, Harley-Ds & pocket rockets called especially with a 16 year old in the saddle or just a plain ole "aggressive" driver in a car with near bald tires.

I would call it more a knee jerk reaction when they noticed they were the worst (or 1 of the worst) in the nation for deaths involving forklifts last year.
7 deaths involving forklifts in North Carolina in 2010.

Forklifts, (Powered Industrial Trucks), are hazards and fatal accidents can occur!!!!!!!

And it took this government agency how long to figure t his out!!!!

Now we know why we have safety training programs!!!!

Have them call me. I'll read them the riot act, and then teach them properly how to operate a forklift. Drove through NC a few times on the way to Fla but never spent anytime there.

I wouldn't mind see NC and the outer banks.

Give them my number!