This week we continue our Safety Series with a focus once again on Forklift Safety. At AMS we know that nearly 100,000 workers are injured per year due to improper training or sheer carelessness on the job and that more than 1 in 10 forklifts are involved in an accident. But this is not the case at AMS. Our safety record is more than good – it is outstanding. We do know the importance of training, supervision and respect for safety when operating machinery.
Matthew Warholy, AMS’ Security & Safety Supervisor, recently distributed a reminder to supervisors and associates of AMS’ Forklift Policy:
“Please remember that to operate a forklift or any sit-down machinery here at AMS, there are policies that must be followed:
- Operator must be trained and certified by AMS trainers.
- Prior forklift certification from another organization or company does not apply.
- Temps may never operate a forklift or any other sit-down machinery.
- If you see, or are aware of, someone who is on a forklift that is not certified, stop them immediately.
- Approved footwear (work boots) and a reflective vest must be worn at all times.
- If you need safety vests, contact Alonso Vasquez at HQ.
“These are not only safety policies, but company policy and insurance rules as well. If you need to have a full-time employee certified, contact Human Resources to begin the process.”
With more than 400 employees in six warehouses, AMS’ safety record is only one lost-time injury in more than 2 1/2 years!
The OSHA website cautions: “Employers must ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation.”
We asked Matt what kind of effort and support from management has gone into creating the safe environment we have at AMS, and how do we keep it that way through all changes and peak seasons?
Matt replied, “The effort and support from AMS management is outstanding. From the initial training to the ongoing preventative maintenance of our machinery we keep ahead of the curve. Management makes sure that the machinery is safely functioning at all times.
“Before a participant can take the certification class, they have to take a drug screening. If they pass that, the testing process isn’t easy. The trainers want to make sure that they’re ready for the busy workload ahead in a safe manner. That’s not the end of their training. Each operator has to re-certify their abilities every three years. Accidents can and will happen but minimizing the risks for accidents in an industry like ours ensures everyone’s safety.”
Thank you to the AMS Management Team and all employees for putting safety first!