A great article was posted today by the on-line version of the Lift and Access Magazine. The Fort Dodge, Iowa based publication continues their support of the aerial lift industry with a intriguing look at training in the construction industry-specifically the safe use of lift equipment while ensuring local and federal compliance for jobsite safety and competency.
Got us thinking here at GET,LLC that training that does both should be the goal for any employer of lifting equipment operators. Safety experts agree that the best training combines elements of classroom, online, and hands-on training. It must cover general topics, practical instruction, assessment of knowledge, and familiarization.
“There is a difference between familiarization and training, and that’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in our industry,” says Scott Owyen, Global Training Manager for Genie Industries.
Owyen notes that classroom or online instruction followed by hands-on demonstration and practice should take 5-9 hours. Familiarization simply reviews the operational manual, controls and decals specific to the make and model not previously operated by a qualified operator.
Blended learning, which combines self-guided online instruction training with hands-on training, is viewed as more effective according to a 2010 U.S. Department of Education study called “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning. According to the report: “Instruction combining online and face-to-face elements had a larger advantage relative to purely face-to-face instruction than did purely online instruction.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s study also reports that “online learning can be enhanced by giving learners control of their interactions with media and prompting learner reflection.”
Online program delivery ensures consistent and standard delivery of topics. With online training, employees can complete general material on their own time and at their own pace, which means less productivity downtime for employers and convenience for employees.
Additionally, the related assessment process is designed to verify the operator’s competency. Course results and proof of completion certificates are stored in databases-that allows employers or operators easy access to their records.
While OSHA prescribes specific expectations for forklift operator training, the industry has lacked any cohesive guidance when it comes to training operator of aerial work platforms. But that may be changing in the near future. We hope so and look forward in it being an iterative process.
If you have any aerial lift needs and would like to discuss potential solutions, please drop GET, LLC a line via our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-797-0789-your authorized Terex/Genie Representative for Guam and Micronesia.