On-site training offered.

• Author: Olson, Lorna
• Position: Advertorial

For all businesses, it is important that operators of any equipment are thoroughly trained in every aspect of operation.

With insurance premiums soaring, companies are very conscious of liability issues--they want the best equipment, and they want operators with the knowledge to operate that equipment safely and efficiently.

Industries such as mining, pulp and paper, and construction, where there are intrinsic hazards due to location and activity, must have top-notch operators.

In keeping with its philosophy of bringing a complete package to the customer, Equipment World offers operator training on every piece of equipment it sells: forklifts, aerial lift equipment, heavy equipment, in short everything from pallet trucks to rough terrain forklifts.

This instruction is both classroom and hands-on, and is geared to groups of all sizes.

In compliance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Ministry of Labour, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Equipment World has developed its own safety training programs in conjunction with their manufacturers, and provides certified training for its customers as a part of its after-sale commitment.

Equipment Operator Training

Blair Wihlidal is the company's rental manager and the head of equipment operator training.

"We can provide training on site, using the actual equipment so that its applications on the job can be analyzed, and specific situations or problems on the job site can be addressed," says Wihlidal. "We're there from the initial site visit, throughout any project where our equipment is being used, until the job is done. We train the operator, or many times we train the trainer--in other words, we provide the necessary training for people who will be teaching their fellow employees how to operate the equipment."

For example, the forklift safety course has been designed to familiarize operators on all aspects of safe lift-truck operation. The course is approximately five hours long, and includes many audio/visual aids. Geared to both new and experienced operators, the training can take place either at Equipment World or the customer's site. During the course, the instructors will conduct an onsite survey of the customer's facility, and offer recommendations on improving efficiency and safety.

Topics covered in this session include: material handling; the operator--attitude, rules and guidelines; safe/unsafe practices; stability factors; how to approach ramps; load capacities...