In this Spring 2006 IVES Update Newsletter we’ll cover our feature article “So Many Operators, So Little Time”, a question on pre-use inspections, accident reports, and much more.
So Many Operators, So Little Time
If you are a trainer that works in an environment where “production” is the overriding theme, and the company’s day-to-day success is stated in terms of linear measures like board-feet, tonnage and truckloads, then you’ve probably heard the phrase, “We need x operators trained in y time.”
The “x” value is usually way too high, particularly in relation to the “y” value, which is usually way too low. To be clear, they usually want way too many operators trained and ready to go in far too little time, a scenario that has played out repeatedly throughout the ages whenever training time meets production time.
If luck can be described as the moment when opportunity meets preparation, the moment that your employer makes an unreasonable “x/y” demand may be a lucky moment .. if you are prepared.
I am not suggesting that any trainer could ever be prepared to properly train (and evaluate) 20 operators in two hours, but the moment an unreasonable demand or expectation is made is the perfect opportunity to address the situation, and hopefully, diffuse it. How do we do it? With knowledge, planning and cooperation. Let’s take a closer look and drill down into each of these items.
Knowledge
Knowledge (or education , the more accurate term in this situation) is power. Employers are usually quite unaware of just how much ground has to be covered in order to properly train operators as per regulations and/or industry standards. Sometimes, all it takes to get an otherwise resistant manager or supervisor on board is to show them what is involved. Once they see the training criteria mandated by regulations applying to most types of powered mobile equipment, they are often much more understanding and accommodating.
If it is possible, try to get management personnel involved in the training, even if it is just to audit the program. This will give them a very clear picture of what is involved in meeting the regulated training criteria required to achieve minimum regulatory compliance. I realize how difficult it can be to get managers and the like out of their office and into a training room, but it only needs to happen once, and it is usually quite an eye- opener for them.
Planning
Have you ever heard the saying, “Failing to plan equals planning to fail”? If you haven’t, you have now! Take those words to heart, because they are the mantra of the professional (and successful) trainer.
Having a plan allows you make the most of the time you have by providing you with an elevated level of organization that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Getting operator study materials out to trainees a day or two ahead of the training program date can potentially save you hours in the classroom. Likewise, lining up your equipment and making sure that it is present and ready to go can be the difference between a smooth, effective class and a complete debacle. Even something as obvious as ensuring you have pens for everybody or that all of your training aids work can save you precious time that once lost is gone forever.
Cooperation
Just as your employer may not be aware of the ins and outs of your situation as a trainer, you may not be up to speed on theirs either. Running a business is tough stuff. Maintaining profit margins, managing cash flow, trying to stay a step ahead of competitors, all while attempting to make (or keep) stockholders happy, can be a nightmare. Sometimes the last thing the management needs is their safety people making unreasonable demands, even if they are justified. Safety and management must come together as safety management and work in a spirit of cooperation that reflects each other’s common goals: an efficient and productive workplace with safe and healthy conditions for all.
Rob Vetter, Chief Instructor
Ives Training Group
Ask Bob
Bob
Is it mandatory to record (forklift) pre-shift inspection reports and keep them on file? If so, for how long?
Les
Dear Les,
There is no written requirement (i.e., regulation) requiring pre-shift inspection reports to be recorded or filed. However, IVES highly recommends filing recorded inspections for at least 90 days to provide documented evidence that they (inspections) are being done regularly, should you ever be asked. Remember, if it isn’t written down, it never happened!
Bob
Dear Bob,
If I train and evaluate an operator on a different piece of equipment after I certify him, do I need to give him a new number and ticket?
Raymond
Dear Raymond,
You could if you wanted to, but you do not need to. There is a place on the back of the operator’s wallet card to add additional pieces of equipment and the date, etc. I would recommend that you enter the operator into your log though, even if he keeps the same number.
Bob
What’s Your Instructor IQ?
Test your knowledge by answering the following:
- What are the conditions under which a steering wheel knob may be used on powered mobile equipment?
- After correcting a trainee that made a mistake during a practical training session, the trainer should:
a) Have the trainee park and secure the equipment.
b) Ask the trainee to repeat the task.
c) Document the incident and report it to a supervisor.
Check out the next edition of the Ives Update for the answers. Good luck!
Answers to “What’s Your Instructor IQ?” (Winter Edition 2005)
- What is the maximum rate of descent that a forklift mast can free fall?
According to ANSI/ASME B56.1 – 2004, the maximum allowable rate of descent is 0.6 meters per second (118 feet per minute).
- How far away from the edge of an unoccupied trench does a piece of mobile equipment have to remain?
If the trench is unoccupied, the equipment must remain a distance away from the edge that is at least equal to the depth of the trench (1:1 ratio). If it is occupied, the distance away must be increased to 1.5 times the depth.
New Internet Services Coming In ’06!
More and more, people are looking to the Internet for information and services. The IVES Team is proud that we lead the way not only in the training marketplace but also in providing new and innovative ways to enroll for training and order the latest in training materials.
You may not be aware that you can enroll for any scheduled Ives Training Program simply by visiting our website. Just go to www.ivestraining.com and click on “Program Calendar” in the sidebar. You will see a list of all the programs we offer. By clicking on the “View Details” link next to each program, you can see detailed information and enroll yourself and others in the program.
If you click on “Training Products” in the sidebar, you can also order any of the training aids and publications that we carry…on-line! This is a great service for busy IVES Certified Instructors who don’t get a chance to call us during the regular business day. Our website is there to serve you 24/7!
And, there are more exciting web services to come. Soon you’ll be able to print customized Operator Certificates (wallet cards) and Certificates of Completion simply by using the templates offered on our site. You’ll type in the names of the operators you have certified and then follow the easy steps to create your personalized and customized cards, certificates and other documentation.
These and other exciting new services will become available as this year unfolds, so keep an eye on our website and the IVES Update for details. At IVES, we’re committed to keeping you a step above and a jump ahead of the rest!
E-TRAINING AIDS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
As more and more of our certified trainers move toward the use of electronic visual training aids, IVES will be there to provide you with accurate, professionally produced equipment operator training aids in the Microsoft PowerPoint format. Initially we will be releasing these new materials for forklifts, then aerials, loaders and cranes. Look for the first of our new e-training aids coming this summer!
Jim Smith Appointed General Manager
On January 19, Jim Smith was appointed as General Manager of the IVES Training Group.
Jim joined the IVES team in July 2005 as our Sales and Marketing Manager and immediately showed himself to be a leader and motivator.
“Jim has accomplished a great deal in a very short time with us,” IVES’ Managing Partner Rob Vetter said. “He is a natural leader and a gifted visionary with a rare combination of drive, desire and ability. I have no doubt that Jim will succeed in enhancing IVES’ position as the leader of our industry.”
Silver Anniversary Celebration
September 2006 will mark our 25th year of operation since incorporation in 1981. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, we are planning on showing our appreciation to the people that made it all possible… YOU!
Look for details in the summer edition of the IVES Update for product specials and promotions we have planned for our, and we hope your, best year yet!
Accident Reports
Man Dies In Local Construction Accident
A man who was working on a construction site fell and died, according to the local sheriff’s office. A contract worker was working on a new building and tried to go from the platform of an aerial lift to the roof of the building when he fell approximately 30 feet. The victim reportedly suffered a serious head injury and was transported by ambulance to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The identity of the man was not released.
[Leaving the platform of an aerial lift for any reason while it is elevated is extremely dangerous and should be avoided. – Ed.]
10-Year-Old Dies In Forklift Accident
A 10-year-old’s father was giving her and three friends a ride on a forklift at his wholesale store when she tripped, fell and was crushed by the machine, police said. The child had been getting on and off a pallet and running next to the forklift when she fell. “It was accidental. Whether there was any negligence will be up to the County Attorney’s office,” A police official said. Her father stopped the forklift as soon as he realized what had happened, but the machine was still on top of his daughter, so the man had to back it off the girl and then call 911, police said. The child remained in critical condition until she died. None of the other children were injured. Their ages were 7, 9 and 11.
[This kind of tragedy is one of the reasons that most employment standards in the industrialized world prohibit minors in the workplace, particularly around powered mobile equipment. It’s too bad that some have to learn it the hard way. – Ed.]
New Training Materials Around the Corner
Those of you who train operators on aerial lift equipment and/or mobile cranes are in for a treat with the release of our completely revised operator training materials scheduled for release in June.
Highlights of the new operator trainee manuals include plenty of highly detailed graphics, interactive section review quizzes, a glossary of terms, an index and an appendix complete with equipment inspection checklists, metric conversion tables, and more! In addition to revised written materials, there will be a more extensive range of equipment models and electronic training aids to choose from that will help you deliver your training message with some real punch.
NOTE: Production/release dates indicated above are approximate and subject to change.
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