Fork Truck Industrial Trainer & Safety Auditor

Position Summary

The Fork Truck Industrial Trainer & Safety Auditor is responsible for promoting safe material handling operations throughout the facility by conducting operator training, auditing equipment usage, monitoring compliance with company safety standards, and supporting corrective actions. This position serves as a hands-on trainer and operational safety resource for powered industrial trucks, aerial lifts, overhead cranes, rigging practices, and material movement activities.

The role also supports operational efficiency by identifying safety concerns, prioritizing equipment repairs, conducting routine audits, and providing backup spotting support during die change movements or lifting activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Training & Certification

• Conduct hands-on training for:
• Powered industrial trucks (fork trucks / Hilo)
• Aerial lifts
• Overhead cranes
• Material handling and load securement
• Spotter responsibilities and safe movement practices
• Evaluate employee operating skills and certify/re-certify operators in accordance with MiOSHA, OSHA, and company standards.
• Maintain training records, operator evaluations, certifications, and refresher training documentation.
• Provide coaching and corrective instruction to employees demonstrating unsafe operating behaviors.
• Support onboarding and orientation training related to material handling and equipment safety.

Safety Auditing & Compliance

• Perform routine operational safety audits throughout the facility.
• Audit powered industrial truck operations for compliance with company rules and MiOSHA, OSHA, and company requirements.
• Conduct weekly audits of loads, rigging, and material securement practices to ensure proper tie-downs, balance, and safe transport methods are being followed.
• Observe pedestrian traffic areas, aisleway compliance, dock operations, and material storage practices.
• Identify unsafe behaviors, near misses, and equipment misuse and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with incident investigations involving material handling equipment or lifting operations.
• Ensure operators complete required pre-operational inspection checklists accurately and consistently.
• Review pre-op inspections daily and prioritize equipment repairs or maintenance concerns based on severity and operational risk.
• Coordinate repair needs with maintenance and operations teams to ensure unsafe equipment is removed from service when necessary.

Operational Support

• Serve as a backup spotter during critical lifts, oversized movements, or congested material handling operations.
• Assist departments with safe movement planning for large, awkward, or high-risk loads.
• Provide guidance regarding rigging, lifting points, load balance, and transport safety.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to warehouse traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and material handling efficiency.
• Assist with implementation of safety improvements including signage, floor markings, and operational controls.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of industrial material handling experience in a manufacturing, warehouse, or automotive environment preferred.
• Prior experience operating powered industrial trucks, aerial lifts, and overhead cranes required.
• Previous training or instructor experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of MiOSHA & OSHA regulations related to powered industrial trucks, aerial lifts, overhead cranes, and material handling safety.
• Experience conducting safety audits and identifying operational risks preferred.
• Strong communication, coaching, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and interact professionally with employees at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA Forklift Trainer Certification
• Aerial Lift Trainer Certification
• Overhead Crane / Rigging Certification
• First Aid / CPR Certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the facility.
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated platforms when necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in manufacturing or warehouse environments with varying temperatures and noise levels.

Key Performance Expectations

• Reduction in forklift and material handling incidents
• Completion of required operator certifications and refresher training
• Timely completion of operational safety audits
• Proper documentation and follow-up of pre-op inspection issues
• Improved compliance with load securement and rigging standards
• Increased employee awareness of safe material handling practices

This job description is not inclusive. The duties, experience, functions, and any other descriptions herein may be changed at any time and other duties may be assigned as necessary. The company reserves the right to add, delete, or otherwise alter these responsibilities when and as necessary.