Forklift Operator flashcards

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 1

A "competent person" has the knowledge, training and experience to organize the work, knows the law that applies to the work, and knows the actual or potential dangers in the workplace (OHSA s. 1).

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 2

Employers must keep equipment in good condition (s. 25(1)(b)), give workers information, instruction and supervision (s. 25(2)(a)), appoint competent supervisors (s. 25(2)(c)), tell workers about hazards (s. 25(2)(d)), and take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances (s. 25(2)(h)).

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 3

Workers must follow the law, use the protective equipment the employer requires, and report missing or defective equipment and any hazard to the employer or supervisor (s. 28(1)).

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 4

Workers must not remove protective devices, must not operate equipment in a way that endangers anyone, and must not engage in pranks, contests or rough conduct (s. 28(2)).

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 5

A worker may refuse work they believe is likely to endanger them, for example unsafe equipment; they report it to the supervisor or employer, who investigates with a worker representative present, and the worker stays in a safe place nearby (s. 43).

Operator competence and the law · definitions and duties

definitions and duties — key rule 6

If the worker still has reasonable grounds after the investigation, an inspector is notified and decides in writing.

Operator competence and the law · who may operate

who may operate — key rule 1

A lifting device (which includes a lift truck) may be operated only by a competent person, or by a worker being instructed who is accompanied by a competent person (s. 51(2)(a)).

Operator competence and the law · who may operate

who may operate — key rule 2

Mobile equipment must be operated only by a competent person, except a worker being instructed and accompanied by a competent person (s. 54).

Operator competence and the law · who may operate

who may operate — key rule 3

Neither the Act nor Reg. 851 names lift trucks; the general lifting device and mobile equipment rules apply to them.

Operator competence and the law · Competency

Competency — key rule 1

It is the employer's responsibility to establish that a worker is competent to operate a lift truck.