FCTC forklift training aims to minimize occupational hazard

What kid hasn't wanted to drive a forklift? They're heavy, practical and have lots of cranks to pull and buttons to push.

In the wrong hands they're also potentially dangerous.

A Google search for "forklift disaster" turns up about 400,000 results including YouTube videos and tales of occupational hazard.

First Coast Technical College is hosting the Northeast Florida Safety Council's Hands-On Forklift Driver Training program. It's the first program of its kind in the region to include the hands-on component.

Shana Harvey, director of occupational safety and health at NEFSC, said more people were seeking behind-the-wheel training. They previously offered just a four-hour safety course, which is now a prerequisite for the hands-on portion.

But getting a usable forklift to FCTC was a group effort.

Leo Hearn, a safety engineer with Northrop Grumman, also serves on the NEFSC board and connected them with FCTC.

Grumman donated a forklift to the program. Rountree Transport & Rigging provided all of the maintenance to get it up and running.

"This is helping to employ people and get jobs going," Harvey said.

Safety first

Guy Zorn, forklift instructor for NEFSC, put students Fontus David and Kevin Maki to the test Wednesday at FCTC's Public Safety Campus.

Zorn's first two rules of forklift operation are: Inspect your equipment and fasten your seatbelt.

Maki, of Jacksonville, has been operating forklifts for about 11 years and was there for his recertification.

He said Home Depot has strict policies when it comes to equipment operation. Maki needs to recertify every three years on several pieces of equipment.

David, also of Jacksonville, was seeking certification to stand out to potential employers.

He went through a series of temporary employment positions before deciding a certification was the way to go.

Still, David said it took him almost six months to find a suitable program. When the FCTC option came up, he jumped on the chance.

"I couldn't find anything like this anywhere," he said.

Students completing the NEFSC program at FCTC receive a certificate upon completion. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to evaluate operators on each piece of equipment at their facility.

"But this helps them get their foot in the door," Harvey said.

Heavy load

Forklifts are a critical element of warehouses, big-box retailers and distribution centers.

"They sure take a beating," Zorn said, patting the skid marks and dents along the sides of the forklift.

A particularly troubling characteristic of the forklift is its instability.

The forklift and its load must be considered a unit with a continually varying center of gravity with every movement of the load.

Evaluation in the hands-on program includes inspection, basic operating maneuvers, pallet stacking and tight turns.

"We're extremely excited and proud to be part of such a great community effort," Sandra L. Raburn-Fortner, president of FCTC, said.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed the NEFSC's four-hour Forklift Safety Training Class prior to enrollment.

For more information, call Sheri Arceo with NEFSC at 399-3119 or Ronnette Waycaster with FCTC at 547-3282.