Forklift safety a cliché?

Wayne Chornohus -
Safety First
- 12 Nov 2015 ( #744 )
3 min read
Wayne Chornohus started repairing forklifts in Canada about 50 years ago and since then has held various managerial positions with independents and dealerships alike. Eventually, he started a unique operator training company, unique in technical depth and accuracy. A decade later, he formally retired and now teaches English in foreign climes and does some technical consulting.
Do you stifle a yawn when you see the words "forklift safety"? Forty years ago, we rarely even thought about safe operation of a forklift, let alone safety anywhere in the workplace. We finally learned of the terrible cost of workplace accidents (are you bored yet?) and made positive strides through legislation and awareness.

Paying lip service to the topic is a common problem today amongst management and workers alike (now are you bored?) We have had some success in protecting health and enhancing profits through education and have proved the benefits of training employees working in a forklift-populated environment.

Where do we go now and how do we get there?

Now is the time to reassess the motivation for safe forklift operation and awareness. Up until now, we have used fear as the main component and, for management, we have promoted profit as a rationale.

We have to find the thinkers among us to find ways to convince (bludgeon) those in our industry to continue to enhance the mantra of forklift safety.

Sex (That word woke you up!) is used to sell a variety of products but, try as I might, I can't find a way to use it in our quest.

Money? Yes! Now there's a way we can continue pushing awareness for our operators and managers. Start a program where a bonus is paid every month to operators who are accident-free. Reward local managers with a bonus for every accident reported every month (yes, that's what I said). Just a couple of ideas.

I have searched through the forklift manufacturers' web sites as well as those of many training companies and it is absolutely stunning how mundane and tedious every single one is. How can we or YOU rejuvenate interest in safety?
1. You'll get better results when you stop letting fear call the shots.
2. You'll get better results when you start being creative.
3. You'll get better results when you put together a better plan.
4. You'll get better results when you understand what is important to other people.
5. You'll get better results when you believe what you're doing is worth it.

The secret to getting better results is simply to adapt. To learn. To grow.

Many years ago, when I was in the training business, I visited a lumber company to sell them my company's training program. After I explained how our course was thorough and would result in better profits, he told me he would never pay that much to certify his operators. He hired a very attractive young lady (sex sells) who had never driven a forklift or even knew the properties of propane at half my price (money talks). Didn't matter; complying with the regulations was that manager's goal. Managers with this kind of shallow mindset are our enemies.

Unfortunately, we have no protection from ignorance.

I think there are many ideas to help us make being safe a positive challenge - as well as being interesting. When I was a manager of a forklift dealership, I managed by consensus because some of the best ideas came from people on the shop floor.

Does anybody have some good ideas on promoting a continuing interest in safety excellence? Let me know care of Forkliftaction.com and I'll pass on the word.
Also Read:
A brief introduction to telehandlers
Rob Vetter
3 minute read
A brief introduction to telehandlers Safety First - 3 Dec 2015 (#747) Rob Vetter > turns his attention to equipment this time, with a look at a unique class of equipment.
Best practice in warehouse risk prevention
Kim Mason
2 minute read
Best practice in warehouse risk prevention Safety First - 5 Nov 2015 (#743) Kim Mason discusses warehouse risks and how to address them.
For more unique stories and expert insights: read our industry blogs
Blog articles provide perspectives and opinions and therefore may contain inaccurate or incomplete information. Forkliftaction Media accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. If you feel that significant facts are overlooked, or have a different viewpoint on a topic addressed, we invite you to open a conversation in our Discussion Forums.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Inside The News
There is simply no ignoring the push for a greener, more sustainable materials handling equipment industry as manufacturers and customers alike seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions... Continue reading
Maersk opens French warehouse Hauts-de-France, France

Showcased in the Virtual Expo

Upcoming industry events …
May 09-11, 2025 - Bangalore, India
October 21-23, 2025 - Panama City, Panama
July 15-17, 2025 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Inside The News
There is simply no ignoring the push for a greener, more sustainable materials handling equipment industry as manufacturers and customers alike seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions... Continue reading

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Inside The News
There is simply no ignoring the push for a greener, more sustainable materials handling equipment industry as manufacturers and customers alike seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions... Continue reading
Maersk opens French warehouse Hauts-de-France, France

PREMIUM business

Hangzhou Maxlion Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd
3G Standard, Good Products, Good Price, Good Service.
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
Upcoming industry events …
May 09-11, 2025 - Bangalore, India
October 21-23, 2025 - Panama City, Panama
July 15-17, 2025 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong