I think Edward brings up the key point when he alludes to the issue of " independently verifiable statistics" to demonstrate a point at hand. In fact, if simple and valid studies were conducted by forklift trainers to justify the operator performance standards they use, all of the heated discussion about "fork tilt"/tilt-up/tilt-down/what's the best tilt angle to hit a pedestrian/ would be mute.

I know well the current USA powered industrial truck operator training rules; having testified as an expert witness at the Washington, DC hearing that resulted in it. The study I offered was sited (Federal Register) as 1 of the 2 studies used to justify the new rule's promulgation (The other was conducted by the US government's NIOSH unit). My study, associated statistics, and testimony are available in the public domain.

My point? Everyone is best-served if you both observe ALL government standards that are required, AND do your own simple study, on behalf of your employer/client. In the USA, OSHA demands compliance with all training topics listed, but allows you to disregard those an employer can demonstrate are not applicable.

For over 20 years, ALL of the instructional designs, tests, learning plans, and truck/industry specific programs that have come out of the LIFTOR process, have been beyond reproach. And, yes, Edward, I have studied forklift operating at my client locations in such detail that I have over 3000 validated on-truck test results dealing with "fork tilt"; when, how much,and under what conditions.

Finally, early in my career, clients asked me to perform detailed, validated studies of forklift training effectiveness in their various locations. I have not even scratched the surface yet on what their is to learn! I recommend that ALL Forklift Operator trainers start collecting data for their own studies on behalf of employer/clients. Stop making Sh*t up! LIFTOR.com is being designed just for that purpose. So, go there and sign-up for the free stuff. Join as a paying member/or not. Learn how to do it and make a difference. Eventually, the answers to fork tilt, and other similar operating standards will be resolved...and you won't even have to refer to the government standards to know you are doing the right thing.

Best wishes,

Joe