Forklift operators can now receive safety training anywhere for as low as USD6, says Arxcis Inc, the company behind Hard Hat Online Training.
Washington-based Arxcis Inc is promoting its online equipment safety training courses, saying that their affordability and accessibility will "save lives".
Arxcis co-founder Myron Lee says traditional classroom training "can be very effective" and "should happen whenever practical".
"But the ease, convenience and cost benefits of online training make it possible for more employees than ever before to receive safety training."
Hard Hat Online Training for forklift users covers the safe operation of a forklift but does not teach a person to operate a forklift.
Lee says the one-time course covers the classroom portion of the OSHA training requirements. However, employers still need to fulfil workplace regulations' requirements by evaluating their workers operating a forklift in actual workplace conditions.
"The classroom training is the most time-consuming and costly for employers. To be certified [to drive a forklift], the employer must still observe and evaluate the employees under their own unique workplace conditions," says Lee.
"It takes most students about an hour and a half to complete the class. They can learn the same amount of material in a shorter time than a live class because there is no dead time for breaks or chit-chat," he explains.
Priced from USD6 to USD49 per student, the online classes are cheaper than on-site classes which can cost between USD85 to USD145.
The classes are cheaper if they are bought in blocks. For example, if a company buys 1,000 classes, they cost USD15 each. Forklift training companies, manufacturers or job placement firms are allowed to purchase large blocks to resell to their customers. There is no "expiry date" for the online classes which can be taken any time.
Arxcis says the courses meet OSHA standards. When employees complete a class, the employer is automatically notified through email.
The courses cover forklifts, telehandlers, boom trucks, articulated boom trucks, cranes, scissor lifts and aerial lifts.
According to OSHA, employers pay about USD1 billion a week to injured employees and their medical care providers.