Common Misconceptions about Training (and how to get past them)
Lets be honest, forklift training isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite topic. But here’s the reality: forklift operator training and retraining aren’t optional. They’re OSHA requirements.
More importantly, they keep people safe, productive, and help your business avoid costly fines and downtime.
Still, you’ve probably heard a few of these objections:
- “It costs too much!”
- “We’re losing productive time!”
- “We already know how to operate our equipment!”
- “What a waste!”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common complaints about forklift training and the facts that prove why its absolutely worth it.
The Things People Say About Forklift Training... And Why They’re Wrong
“We can’t afford it.”
You can’t afford not to.
Yes, training has an upfront cost, but so does equipment repairs, workers’ compensation claims, damaged inventory, and downtime after an accident. A single preventable incident can easily cost more than training.
“It takes too much time out of the day.”
It’s true that training takes employees off the floor for a few hours, or sometimes a full day. But that time quickly pays for itself.
Trained operators work more efficiently, handle equipment correctly, and make fewer mistakes. The result is fewer slowdowns, fewer reworks, and smoother daily operations overall.
"We haven’t had any accidents, so we’re safe enough already."
That’s great news, and its something to be proud of! Just don’t let a good safety record turn into complacency.
When routines become too familiar, people can start cutting corners. That’s when accidents happen. Regular refresher training keeps safety practices sharp and prevents bad habits from creeping in.
A strong safety record should be maintained with consistent effort!
“The operators don’t want it.”
Most people don’t get excited about training, but that doesn’t mean they won’t value it once it begins.
Quality training builds confidence and gives operators the knowledge to do their jobs more effectively. When employees understand why certain procedures exist and how they improve safety and efficiency, they take more pride in their work.
That mindset leads to a stronger safety culture, and a more motivated team.
“We already know how to use our trucks.”
You probably do. But even experienced operators benefit from updated training.
Every forklift model is different, and new safety technology and procedures are introduced all the time. Refresher courses help operators adapt to those changes and develop best practices for your specific equipment and layout.
A little extra knowledge can prevent costly mistakes and keep productivity high.
Why Training Still Matters
Prevention is a major reason for forklift operator training and retraining. Thoroughly trained operators are more likely to be accident-free. That means improved safety, better morale, less damage, and best of all, fewer injuries.
Also, training shows employees their organization cares about them and their safety. An investment in training can pay off in operator competence, confidence and commitment to the organization. Not only does training improve productivity by reducing accidents, it can also speed up operations by improving skills and knowledge of specialized equipment.
Trust TrainMOR to effectively train your operators
Forklift operators are required by OSHA to be properly trained and retrained on safety and operation.
TrainMOR offers programs that are Mobile, Memorable, and Measurable, ensuring your team meets compliance while learning practical, effective safety techniques.
We provide online, classroom, and on-site options to fit your schedule and your budget.
Contact TrainMOR today to keep your team safe, skilled, and confident. Safety training doesn’t have to be boring—it just has to be effective.