Rob Vetter is technical director and managing partner with the Ives Training Group, in Blaine, WA, USA, a leader in North American mobile equipment training systems since 1981.
You have probably heard the proverb 'one bad apple can spoil the barrel"' but have you seen the effect one good apple can have on the others?
"Apples" are a metaphor for forklift operators and the "good" ones are those operators who take the time do their jobs safely and in accordance with their training.
It can be frustrating to see rookies get through the training and evaluating elements of their safety training only to find the first on-the-job training delivered by the operators they work with is to "forget all that (expletive deleted) and just get it done".
Supervisors, with the support of upper management and the cooperation of workers, are supposed to make sure that doesn't happen. But, typically, the key links in the chain are unaware of what is required and usually have what they feel are bigger fish to fry. You can argue that this is not supposed to be the way it is and that management must see safety through to the end, but it does happen and we need to deal with it.
During my training programs I always look for experienced operators who are moderately keen to learn the right way to do things and, more importantly, willing to demonstrate their abilities. Once identified, I compliment their knowledge and skill. I often seek their opinions on issues and questions by saying something like, "Joe, you know your way around out there, what would you suggest Jane do in that situation?". If the trainees identified as good apples are keen and able, I use them during hands-on exercises to help me monitor things. At private moments I stroke them with my confidence in their abilities and my admiration from the professionalism they bring to their work.
I don't get smarmy or phoney. My comments are sincere and, frankly, I don't always find good apples. But, when I do, their real value is not realised in the classroom, it is in the workplace for years after the training. Those people you have working on the front lines who want to and can do things properly are invaluable examples for others to model. Try to identify them and get them into positions where they can be best used, as on-the-job trainers, team leaders and charge-hands. When properly used, these key people will affect improvements in areas other than safety, like morale, productivity, missed time, and more. They will be your most valuable resource in upholding the values of training by leading by example where it counts most...on the job.
People who conduct themselves smartly and who positively influence others should be rewarded in kind. A shiny apple would be entirely appropriate.