Forklift Safety Hands-On Evaluation

Scoring A Forklift Hands-On Evaluation

Forklift trainers are responsible for observing operators during the initial and refresher forklift training. What is the best way to score the forklift hands-on evaluation?

After zoning off a safe area for forklift operator training away from daily warehouse production and pedestrians, a company trainer can evaluate each participant’s knowledge of the forklift’s operation. 

Each employer should determine minimal standards based on general operation as well as their core applications. The scale of pass / fail should also be decided by the employer and its trainers.

Forklift Training Course

For recordkeeping and easy communication about each operator’s hands-on evaluation, utilize a checklist of key safety practices. Observation may include:

• Pre-shift inspection performed
• 3-point entry / exit demonstrated
• Seat belt / harness secured
• Smooth acceleration / braking implemented
• Smooth use of hydraulic controls performed
• Forks raised 4” – 6” off floor & level
• Proper load engaging / disengaging executed
• Lift / Tilt utilized to pick up load
• Tilt out / lowered to deposit load
• Clear view of travel path created
• Attention to surroundings demonstrated
• Horn sounded and visual look performed when backing up forklift
• Body parts kept inside running lines of forklift
• Proper shut down of forklift completed

Contact ProLift to schedule safety training, or learn more about our class offerings.