Forklift and MEWP Operator Training Programs Reinforce Safety Standards

This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Every year, there are about 100 fatalities and 96,000 forklift-involved injuries — which is one about every five and a half minutes.

But studies show that with proper training and use, forklift accidents can be reduced by 70 percent, according to Russell Niedzwiecki, Corporate Safety Trainer for TrainMOR.

Based in Grand Rapids, TrainMOR provides industrial truck operator training and mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) training, both online and in person. The training helps businesses comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. In addition to the fact that training is required for safety, TrainMOR’s solutions supplement onboarding processes and boost, refresh and modernize operator training.

Proper training also reduces business liabilities and the dramatic costs associated with damaged products, property and equipment, which is why MMA has partnered with TrainMOR to offer a 20 percent discount on all training programs, including:

• TrainMOR Online Forklift and MEWP Training
• TrainMOR Forklift Live Classroom
• TrainMOR MEWP Live Classroom
• TrainMOR Train the Trainer

Over the past several years, TrainMOR has increased its online training opportunities, which allows operators throughout Michigan and other states to gain access to the classes. Additionally, through the Train the Trainer program, TrainMOR’s team provides guidance to certain individuals in a company who can then train their teams according to the same standards.

Niedzwiecki says that, while going through the classroom material, TrainMOR’s team seeks feedback about particular experiences individuals may be having in order for both parties to recognize issues and areas for improvement.

“Constantly, I’m asking questions and realizing that people who are on the equipment often do not know the fundamental features and basics on the equipment, the design and how it works,” he says. “They may be taking more risks than they’re aware of.”

For example, tipping is the number one cause of fatalities, he says.

“There are reasons behind it that people don’t understand,” he adds. “When we explain a truck that’s empty is more likely to tip over than one that has equipment on it, that surprises people.”

In other scenarios, operators may be making turns that are too sharp, or some users might not be using required seatbelts.

“There are way more accidents on and around forklifts than people think,” Niedzwiecki says, noting that some serious injuries that he and his business partner, Scott Ahner, have seen have been traumatic and life-altering for the individuals. “When it gets real like that, I can’t help but do everything I can to make an impact by giving valuable information. You just don’t want it to happen again.”

See Member Benefits to learn more about this discounted MMA workforce solution or contact MMA’s Brenda Nalett at 517-487-8512 or nalett@mimfg.org.