Forklift Operator Sacked after Accosting Vending Machine

An American forklift operator apparently put his experience to use by accosting a vending machine that refused to give up its treasures. Unfortunately, the operator is now unemployed after having been sacked by Polaris Industries in Spirit Lake, Iowa. There is no word on whether he got the chocolate bar he was after.

In reporting on the story, the BBC says 27-year-old Robert McKevitt originally inserted money into the machine in order to purchase a chocolate bar. When the item got stock in the machine, McKevitt took matters into his own hands with a 3.5 tonne forklift. What happened next is a matter of contention.

His employer claims McKevitt picked up the machine multiple times and dropped it onto the floor in order to dislodge the chocolate bar. McKevitt acknowledges moving the machine, but claims he never lifted or dropped it. In either case, three items were eventually dislodged. Ironically, since Mr McKevitt’s departure all of the vending machines in the building have been replaced.

Forklift Operators Train with Us

We are not exactly sure how things work in the US, but there is currently no regulating body in the UK that licenses forklift operators. By the letter of the law, you could become an operator without any formal training or licence required. However, most companies insist on training and certification for their own protection.

UK law does require all employers to do whatever is reasonably necessary to ensure a safe working environment. In all likelihood, forklift operator training and certification would be considered a reasonable step by most courts, which is why employers require it before hiring a new forklift operator.

If you are interested in receiving training, we invite you to contact us here at the HGV Training Centre. Forklift training is just one of the many services we offer to both individuals and company drivers. Our forklift training and certification programme is one that will teach everything you need to know.

When you train with us, we will teach you a number of things, including:

• Safety – Operating a forklift in the midst of other workers requires skill. We teach our students how to safely manoeuver in tight spaces and around other workers.

• Loads – Properly balancing the load can mean the difference between safe operation and imminent danger. When you train with us, you will learn how to properly balance a load so that I can be safely moved around.

• Controls – The thing many forklift operators find the hardest about their job is smooth operational control of the forks. In addition to driving the vehicle, one must also raise and lower the forks while paying attention to tilt. All of this must be done smoothly in order to avoid dumping. We teach smooth operational control.

With more than 45 facilities around the UK, we always have new classes forming regularly. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in receiving the training necessary to become a certified forklift operator.

Sources:

BBC News – http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26282532