Safety By Design

MHM: How is "Steps to Safety" different from other training programs offered by other lift truck manufacturers?

Angelini: That’s a bit tough to answer as we haven’t seen all the programs that are available. Many only provide a standalone DVD to augment a company’s existing overall safety training program.

“Steps to Safety” not only provides a DVD for training but also a CD with a customizable PowerPoint presentation that can be modified to meet each company’s specific needs, 10 printed participant handbooks with a PDF of the handbook for future reproduction and an end-of-course safety review. The training is designed to be provided by the customer, but it also can be delivered by a trainer from the local Raymond sales and service center.

MHM: Can the training be used with many different types of lift trucks?

Angelini: Like our operator training program, “Safety on the Move,” the program will be available through authorized Raymond sales and service centers only. Because the topic is pedestrian safety training, it is not specific to Raymond equipment and can be used as a stand-alone program for pedestrian safety or integrated into a larger program focused on safety in the warehouse.

MHM: Can the program be customized?

Angelini: Yes. Site-specific examples and procedures can be added to the standard content.

MHM: What do supervisors need to stress when conducting this type of training?

Angelini: Stressing the fact that safety really is everyone’s responsibility is very important when conducting any type of safety training. It also is important to stress why training is essential because the goal is not just to train but to develop a positive and responsible company-wide attitude about safety. Discussing the rationale behind training can lead to some very insightful and rewarding discussions.

Safety awareness is a process. While training is important, it is only one part of a comprehensive program designed to keep safety foremost in people’s minds. All employees have an obligation to provide a safe work environment for their colleagues. “Steps to Safety” is a tool that can help companies train their employees to do just that.