Waynes World - January 2006

FORKLIFT OPERATOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
TESTING CLARIFIED, AND...

THE CURRENT "HOT TOPICS"
OF DISCUSSION
By Wayne Schooling

Q: What’s in store for the future of the trucking industry? Mike P. of Los Angeles, CA.

A: Here are some of the “hot topics” in trucking right now. First of all, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the industry’s leading research organization, recently unveiled its list of the top ten (10) critical issues facing the U.S. trucking industry. The high cost of diesel fuel and the driver shortage were the two leading issues in the survey of more than 2,000 trucking executives. Other issues making the “Top Ten” included insurance costs, hours-of-service, tolls and highway funding, tort reform, regulatory redundancy/costs, congestion, environmental issues and trucking security.
Another hot topic being discussed is automated inspections. Imagine you are driving your truck down the highway when a DOT officer pulls you over. Before even looking at your logbook or truck, he tells you that your vehicle is overweight, the brakes are out of adjustment, your medical card has expired and you are driving in violation of the hours-of-service regulations. It may sound impossible now, but that is just the sort of high-tech inspection the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) might like to see, and the agency is asking for the public’s help to develop it.

The FMCSA is seeking creative ideas on new ways to conduct inspections using wireless communications, sensors, and other new technologies that can give inspectors a lot of information without having to review paperwork and climb under the truck. The ultimate goal of a partially or fully automated inspection process is to improve the quality of inspections, increase the number of vehicles screened, and/or enable faster inspections, resulting in improved effectiveness, efficiency, and most of all, safety.

On another note, the overall fatality rate on U.S. Highways in 2004 was the lowest since record-keeping began 30 years ago, and fatalities from large truck crashes only increased slightly (from 5,036 to 5,190), according to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In all, 42,636 people died on the nation’s highways in 2004 (about 117 a day), down from 42,884 in 2003. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled for all vehicles was 1.46 in 2004, down from 1.48 in 2003.

An interesting “crash predictor” study was recently done on 540,750 drivers, over a three year period, by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). The study evaluated and linked past driver traffic violations and convictions with the likelihood of being involved in a future crash. The data that was collected is providing safety directors and insurance companies with invaluable information on drivers. The study also showed what enforcement and education programs are best to address current or potential driver problems.

The study showed that driver-related factors were involved to a large degree in crashes involving large trucks. The study reveals an early warning system, so to speak, where motor carriers can take action to improve the driver’s safety behavior.

A second objective of the study was to identify effective enforcement actions that can counteract the behaviors of the drivers. Reckless driving and improper turn violations are the top two violations associated with the highest likelihood of a future crash. The four convictions with the highest likelihood of a future crash are: 1) Improper or erratic lane change; 2) Failure to yield right of way; 3) Improper turn; and 4) Failure to maintain a proper lane. When a driver receives a conviction for one of these behaviors, the likelihood of that driver being involved in a future crash increases between 91 and 100%. In a summary of all the data, reckless driving violations prompted the highest increased likelihood of a future crash at 325%!

To help companies evaluate their drivers, the NTA now offers a driver testing program. Our instructor can administer the DMV road test at your location and issue a certificate of driving skills. We can also provide monthly safety lectures, behind-the-wheel driver evaluations and post accident reviews.

Q: How often do I have to retest my forklift drivers? George M. of Commerce, CA.

A: A recent OSHA Letter of Interpretation clarified 1910.178(l)(4)(iii), which requires that an evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance be conducted at least once every three years. The evaluation of performance required by the standard cannot be met by a written exam alone. A written exam by itself does not indicate whether the operator is operating the powered industrial truck safely.

According to OSHA, in most cases, the person conducting the evaluation would do two things: 1) Observe the powered industrial truck operator during normal operations to determine if the operator is performing safely; and 2) Ask pertinent questions to ensure that the operator has the knowledge or experience needed to operate a truck safely.

OSHA pointed out, that in some cases, the danger or complexity of the operation, the extent of the change in conditions, or the operator’s need for additional skills, will require the evaluation to be lengthier and more detailed. The three-year evaluation ensures that the operator has retained the necessary knowledge and skills for safe operation of the vehicle. Therefore, a written exam alone would not be adequate to ensure that the operator has retained the necessary skills for safe vehicle operation. Contact NTA for your Forklift Certifications.

~ If you have any questions you'd like Wayne Schooling to address, send them to NorthAmerican Transportation Association, 2533 N. Carson Street, Suite 346, Carson City, NV 89706-0147 or send him an e-mail to wayne@ntassoc.com. Until next month, “Drive Safe - Drive Smart!”