In this Summer 2003 IVES Update Newsletter edition we’ll cover an article on Adult Learning Basics, a question on leaving aerial lifts extended, OSHA seatbelt compliance, accident reports and much more!
Adult Learning Basics
Adult students are generally not passive by nature. They appreciate the opportunity to participate in the learning process. Interaction between teacher and student is invaluable for maximizing the amount of information any pupil learns and retains. The adult student is no exception to this premise.
A very important basic when training mature people is to remember that they are adults who just happen to be students for a short time. The rules are different than those that would apply to teaching an adolescent. Adults like to be treated as peers. They are fully aware that they are there to learn. You must keep in mind that you are there to share the knowledge you possess, not to impose judgmental behaviour. A condescending manner will only ensure that your students spend a good deal of time resenting your attitude — time they should be spending absorbing your wisdom.
While methods may vary from individual to individual, every trainer should strive for simplicity when sharing information; maintain clarity when discussing more difficult subject matter; and most of all, encourage student participation.
Group discussion sessions afford the trainer an opportunity to identify misconceptions or misunderstandings that any of the participants may have. A group environment also allows you to correct misconceptions or errors on the spot, without unnecessarily singling out any one person. Of course, one-on-one discussions should also be welcomed if a student seeks your help on any particular point.
If you are called upon to train someone else, whether a class of many attendees or just one or two people, you should conduct the session and impart the material in a business-like yet approachable manner. Do not strive to impress students with your vast knowledge, using big words and quoting unnecessary facts and figures. Rambling and verbosity serves no purpose other than to frustrate the listener. Keep your delivery simple; your facts sharp and to the point and your manner open, friendly and always professional.
Never assume that because you share a kernel of information that you understand, that it is perfectly clear to everyone listening. All of us have different levels of comprehension, depending on what information we are trying to absorb at any particular time. Encourage questions after each block of information has been laid before your class. Do not plunge into the next part of your plan without checking that your student understands what has just been covered.
Keeping this in mind, when winding down your sessions, let the class know that you will be around for a few minutes after class if anyone has anything he or she would like to suggest or discuss. Adult or not, some of us are still too shy to speak up in front of our classmates.
Adults are only older adolescents, after all.
Clark Buyout Succeeds
Clark lift users can now breathe easier. The 85-year-old Clark Material Handling Company has entered a new chapter. After a reported USD 40 million sale to Sun Capital fell through last December, Young An Hat Company of South Korea acquired Clark’s assets for a reported USD 7.5 million and about USD 10 million in debt.
“The sale will provide Clark Material Handling with the working capital necessary to once again provide world class parts and technical service support,” said Clark President and Chief Operating Officer Brian C. Butler. Young An Hat Company plans to operate Clark by basing its manufacturing operation in Korea and the sales office and headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
Source: Williams Machinery Ltd., Clark Dealer, Richmond, BC
Ask Bob
Dear Bob,
My question is more of a safety question concerning aerial lifts. Our maintenance department has about seven aerial lifts of different sizes. They store their equipment in a warehouse and always leave the platform extended in the air. Is there a safety issue with leaving the platforms in the air? My concern is losing hydraulic fluid and maybe causing the platform to come down suddenly. Could this happen?
Thanks,
Bill
Dear Bob,
There is precious little in the regulations concerning this matter, and even the applicable ANSI standard (A92.5) says to lower the platform or block it up only if repairs/ adjustments are being made. Usually, the manufacturer’s operator manual says not to leave the platform up when parking … usually.
As far as we (Ives) are concerned, you should always lower the platform when not in use, because there is always the chance that the hydraulic pressure could be released and bring it down, which could cause injury or death. At the very least, the platform should be mechanically blocked to prevent unintentional platform descent.
I hope that helps,
Bob
OSHA Retains Seatbelt Compliance Rule
WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has abandoned a proposal that would have limited safety inspectors’ authority to issue citations to forklift drivers not wearing seatbelts.
OSHA decided not to pursue changes to Compliance Directive CPL 2-1.28A, despite a campaign by automobile manufacturers and unions. The decision retains OSHA compliance officers’ authority to cite employers when employees fail to use seatbelts while operating forklifts.
It’s a major victory for safety in the workplace,” said the president of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA). “We were confident (that) once OSHA conducted a thorough review of the pros and cons associated with its proposed action, they’d realize they had acted precipitously,” he said.
The Industrial Truck Association’s executive director said, “The proposal had almost been passed, as OSHA had not taken the time to consult all parties affected.” To its credit, OSHA did come to several of us and got the input needed to fully evaluate the proposal. The Industrial Truck Association has worked with OSHA in the past, and we expect to do so in the future so we can avoid problems like this.”
The Industrial Truck Association board of directors voted unanimously to participate in a new OSHA initiative, beginning next month, which calls for an alliance between industrial organizations to develop safer workplaces.
Forkliftaction Online Newsletter, Issue #107
Forklift Rally 2003
On Saturday, March 29, 2003, the Canadian Materials Handling & Distribution Society held the 7th Annual BC Provincial Forklift Rally. In all, there were over 50 contestants (twice as many as last year) and over 200 spectators in attendance. The event was complemented by a mini-trade show featuring companies such as Ives Training, Manpower, Back Safe, and many others. Sponsoring companies donated prizes – such as hockey jerseys, playoff tickets, queen-sized quilts, a DVD player, and a trip for two to Harrison Hot Springs – which were awarded to contestants adn spectators.
Contestants competed in either the counterbalanced, narrow aisle reach truck or walkie rider divisions by first completing a written test, a pre-shift inspection, and a hands-on evaluation that had the operators maneuver their lift trucks through an obstacle course.
That event began at 9 am and wrapped up around 2:30 pm with the award ceremonies. All first, second and third place winners received champion’s medals and $300, $200 or $100 respectively. CMH&DS president Dan Beers, event coordinator John Gilder, and course engineer Darryl Degeau all agreed that this year’s event was the best one yet and that next year’s will be even better.
Ives Training showed its support with a trade show booth and by donating dinners for two at the Keg Restaurant for all first place winners. In addition, Rob Vetter, Kent O’Sullivan, and Brenda Sheen of Ives volunteered their time and support on event day.
The CMHDS Board of Directors extended its thanks to all competitors, spectators, and volunteers for making this event so successful.
See you at Forklift Rally 2004!
What’s Your Instructor IQ?
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For a complete list, check out the next edition of Ives Update!
OSHA Identifies Workplaces with Highest Injury and Illness Rates
OSHA is alerting 14,200 employers across the country that their injury and illness rates are higher than average and encouraging them to take steps to reduce hazards and protect their workers.
“The purpose of the notification process is to alert employers that their injury and illness rates are above average and then offer assistance that will help reduce those rates. This process not only raises awareness among employers of their higher-than-average injury and illness rates, but it also affords them a golden opportunity to take steps to reduce those rates.”
OSHA identified establishments with the nation’s highest lost workday injury and illness rates based on data reported by 93,000 employers surveyed by the agency. Workplaces receiving the alert letters had six or more injuries or illnesses resulting in lost workdays or restricted activity for every 100 full-time workers. Nationwide, the average U.S. workplace had fewer than three lost-time instances for every 100 workers.
OSHA sent letters to all employers with high injury and illness rates, and provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of the most frequently violated OSHA standard for their specific industry. While addressing concerns for the high rates, OSHA also offered help in turning those rates around, suggesting, among other things, the hiring of outside safety and health consultants, and using free safety and health consultation services provided by the agency through the states.
The data collection initiative, which is conducted each year, gives OSHA a clearer picture of those establishments with higher-than-normal injury and illness rates.
Accident Report
Delta, BC – A 32-year-old crane operator was electrocuted while unloading pallets from a truck when its boom struck some electrical wires, killing the operator. Nobody else was hurt in the accident, which caused a power outage over a wide area.
Calne, USA – A builder has been hailed a hero after using a forklift to clear the entrance to a blazing factory for fire fighters. The gentleman, whose yard is next door, said it was apparent materials blocking the entrance to the factory would hamper fire fighters. “I wasn’t nervous. I haven’t got the most up-to-date forklift, but it did the job,” he said. It took him 10 minutes to get his forklift out of the yard and remove the blockage, and the blaze was extinguished 10 minutes later. It was not revealed what type of forklift he used.
The leading fire fighter said the job would have taken much longer, and the blaze could have damaged neighboring properties, without his help. “He saved us a lot of hard work and time. It was lucky — very lucky,” he said.
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