Some companies still use traditional methods for forklift training, but there is a clear drive in 2023 to use virtual training. Simulator training is the best technological solution for your business. It eliminates the possibility of training accidents or costly damage to your business. Plus, it’s the ultimate forklift training experience for employees. Find out what you need to know about virtual training so you can put it into practice in your organization.
This article is the 2nd part of the forklift compliance series. It follows last week’s article – 5 Common Compliance Mistakes With Forklift Trucks.
The 5 Major Benefits Of Virtual Training For Forklift Safety And Compliance
There are five major benefits of virtual training for forklift safety and compliance. Discover what they are and why your company needs virtual training capabilities.
Virtual Training Is More Cost-Effective Than Traditional Training
According to a 2022 Training Industry Report, in the US, training expenditures passed the $100 billion mark in 2021-2022. With the cost of training increasing every year. Organizations must look for cheaper alternatives.
The two highest costs for training are paying for accommodation and transportation. Additional charges, such as booking out training areas, equipment, machinery, time, and trainers, are also usually involved.
Using Virtual Training Across The Organization
Virtual training for forklift operators will always work out cheaper because you can use virtual training in many ways in a more engaging and faster way. Your return on the initial investment (ROI) can skyrocket over time.
For example, you can use virtual training in your company for,
- Ongoing and future training for employees
- Real-world simulations to engage employees
- Use shareable videos for training and other areas of your business
- Increasing customer engagement and showing your high levels of safety
- On-demand training when you need to act quickly
Virtual Training Gives More Consistency
It can be hard for in-person training to replicate the exact type of training every time. You might have a set system, documentation, and process in place for training. But you need to guarantee consistent delivery of your training material.
Virtual training allows you to train everybody in the same way. It also lets you give extra training to trainees who may need more help in certain areas. This flexibility to provide more training can help to counter potential safety issues.
Traditional training is subject to influence by the trainer. In comparison, a simulator does not show any bias toward different socio-dynamic groups. When you use simulators, your trainees receive the same information and assessment.
Studies show that virtual training can help to train 80% of skills. This high percentage leaves companies with only 20% of training by traditional methods. Plus, you always know the exact training the trainee has received.
Virtual training courses are data-driven, so you have continuous feedback. This level of training improves safety because new drivers are confident and trained before they get behind the wheel of the real thing.
Convenient For Everybody
Like any other department in a company, the training department is constantly busy. It needs to adhere to deadlines and meet company goals. Finding a system that can offer flexibility in training is like a dream come true for a trainer.
Virtual training is the most flexible way to deliver forklift operator training. The trainees can do the training at their convenience. Also, the company can adapt the training to match a changing business environment.
Making Training Enjoyable For Staff And The Trainers
It takes the stress away from trainers when arranging training sessions. Also, the gamification of virtual training takes training to another level. It is more mentally stimulating and engaging for operators, helping raise safety awareness.
You can use it to update operators on new procedures and policies quickly. Also, your company doesn’t lose time with forklifts out of operation because of training. Your simulator is ready to go at the drop of a hat.
The Training Department’s New Best Friend: Customization
Trainers are always scratching their heads to figure out how to deliver specific employee training. With traditional training, there is no room for customization. Virtual training, on the other hand, offers all of it and more.
Creating Different Working Environments
Forklift simulators can be customized to create specific environments and working conditions. These environments could be anything from how to deal with:
- Fork attachments
- Loading and unloading on site
- Danger Zones in different situations
- Maneuvers
- Operating the forklift when there is traffic in the same area
Companies that deliver virtual training for forklift operators can listen to your needs. You can have a bespoke virtual training package that fits your company’s requirements and training needs. It can help you to deliver your training more efficiently and effectively.
It helps you have full confidence that you will cover all safety and compliance requirements with each trainee forklift operator. The exciting thing is that any company can use it. You can use virtual training in any industry that uses forklifts.
Easily Accessible Anywhere
Your company might have a current safety and compliance program, but are you using the best training for your employees? Reliance on traditional methods will become dated as automation continues to increase.
Enjoying The Flexibility Of Virtual Training
The future is virtual training. You can access virtual training anywhere. All you need is an internet connection, and you are ready to go. This flexibility means you can also do your forklift training off-site, which opens up different training options.
Because you have quick access to the simulator, you can reduce the hours needed to train a driver. Once set up, your employees can train on the simulator anytime. These reductions save valuable time and money for the business.
This accessibility is also ideal if your organization has remote or international teams. After COVID, this situation is even more relevant. Because more and more companies are working in a remote capacity.
The Future Of Virtual Training for Forklift Operators
Virtual training will become huge in 2023. It will help companies establish better safety and compliance commitments. It also aids your company in conducting training in a safe environment. Virtual simulator training is your go-to product.
It eliminates the possibility of any potential injuries to employees or damage to your business. Your company will save valuable time and money. It will also have consistent, convenient training and modern customization options.
The next article will cover the importance of meeting regulatory requirements. Also, how forklift simulator training can help meet OSHA standards.
