Forklift Operators' Performance Evaluation

Forklift Operators' Performance Evaluation

A Note to Supervisors on Evaluating Your Employees

Who does the evaluation?

OSHA requires that “all operator training and evaluation shall be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.” This can be anyone at the facility that fits this bill, they don’t have to have any special certification, just the knowledge and experience. Keep in mind that if you don’t have anyone at your facility that you feel fits this description, you may have to send your operators offsite to be evaluated or bring someone in to perform it.

Where should the evaluation be performed?

The practical evaluation should be conducted in a way that will not endanger the forklift operator, the other employees at the facility or the facility itself. This means that for a new operator, you may have to conduct the training in an open lot, away from any obstacles. However, for a seasoned operator who is just getting a follow up, or a refresher evaluation, you may be able to watch them while they go about their regular work to complete the majority of the evaluation and then follow up for the few things you were not able to observe later in the day. That way you’re getting a true snapshot of their skills and habits when they don’t know anyone is watching.

When should the evaluation be performed?

The evaluator will need to ensure that a thorough forklift inspection is being performed at the beginning
of each shift.

How do I fill out the evaluation?

First, the sample OSHA checklists included in the course should help if you don’t already have your own process. Next, there are a few checks to ensure the operator has a good grasp of the use of the controls and instrumentation. This will obviously be critical for the remainder of the evaluation. The next few sections cover the actual operation of the lift truck, including maneuvering skills, selecting and picking up a load, driving with a load and driver visibility.

Each section has a series of checks to ensure the operator understands the procedures for safe operation of the lift truck and has the necessary habits to continue to exhibit those behaviors when no one is watching.

Finally, the evaluator should check that safe parking procedures are followed and addresses site specific hazards at your facility. The evaluation as a whole, or this last section in particular, may need to be amended to ensure it covers all the specific maneuvers and hazards unique to your facility are addressed.

What do I do with the form when I am done?

Once you complete the evaluation, file it with the employee’s certification record and maintain the record for 3 years.

Forklift Operators' Performance Evaluation

Name*

First NameLast Name

Date:*

Date

FORKLIFT INSPECTION*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Properly Completes the inspection checklist prior to operating forklift.

USE OF CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTATION*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Directional Control (forward, Neutral, reverse.)
Lift Control (raise, lower, tilt)
Knowledge of instrumentation functions.

MANEUVERING SKILLS*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Smooth starting and stopping.
Drives safely and under control in both forward and reverse.
Proper speed.
Turns corners correctly – aware of rear end swing.

SELECTING AND PICKING UP LOAD*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Knows the capacity of the forklift and checks load weight.
Approaches load properly.
Properly seats forks and pickup technique.
Uses proper pickup technique
Tilts load back slightly against backrest.
Load balanced properly.
Carries load low; 6” – 8” off ground.
Yields to pedestrians
Lowers load smoothly/slowly
Drives with forks low to ground (6” – 8” off ground)

DRIVING WITH A LOAD AND DRIVER VIVSIBILIITY*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Smooth starting and stopping
Proper speed during turns
Slows at intersections and corners
Looks in both directions and sounds horn at intersections
Keeps to the right in aisles and maintains proper clearance.
Travels at least three lengths behind other vehicles.
Handles load in manner to prevent product damage.
Keeps clear view of direction of travel.
Drives backward in reverse when necessary to maintain visibility
Remains alert to overhead obstructions.

VEHICLE PARKING*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Parks on level area
Sets forks flat on floor.
Sets parking brake.
Removes key.
Demonstrates ability to refuel and/or recharge batteries.

Site specific hazards*

	Satisfactory	Needs Practice	Unsatisfactory
Reviewed surface hazards. (Ramps, curbs, pavement changes, oily floors, etc.)
Reviewed facility hazards. (Overhead lines, ceilings, confined spaces, etc.)
Reviewed on-site traffic patterns. (One ways, blind corners, pedestrian crossings, etc.)
Reviewed locations where forklift should not be operated due to potential stability problems.

REMARKS:

FINAL EVALUATION:

EVALUATORS NAME

First NameLast Name

Evaluators Email

example@example.com

Evaluated Staff Supervisor

First NameLast Name

Evaluated Staff Supervisor Email

example@example.com

Date