Scoring Forklift Practical Evaluations

The extent and details of the practical training and evaluation component of the forklift certification process are highly dependent on various factors, including the work environment, the operator’s level of experience, the specific equipment the operator will be using, the hazards that will be encountered, and more.

The practical evaluation instruction and checklist provided are intended to be a guide that employers can use to help develop an internal evaluation process specific to their circumstances. This includes the method by which operators are scored and, ultimately, how to determine if an operator is competent and can safely operate the equipment in the employer’s workplace.

Scoring Option – Pass/Fail

The Pass/Fail can be considered one of the least complex scoring methods since, rather than using a scale or numbered score, it allows only two options:

1) Pass – the operator has demonstrated that they can safely complete the task being evaluated and;
2) Fail – the operator has not demonstrated that they can safely complete the task being evaluated.

The benefits of using the Pass/Fail scoring system is its simplicity and ease of use by practical evaluators.

How to Deal with Failed Tasks

It’s evident that when an operator successfully demonstrates that they can safely perform a task, the evaluator can mark it as “Pass” and move on to the next tasks on the checklist.

But what should be done when an operator fails a task?

As mentioned, the extent of an evaluation is highly specific to the workplace and equipment the operator is using. There are, however, some general principals that can be followed when an operator “fails” to perform a required task.

For the sake of simplicity and alignment with the Pass/Fail methods, we’ll break it down into just a few options.

Minor Failure

A “minor” failure can be considered as something that can be corrected easily through coaching the operator on the spot and having them perform the function once again.

For example, the operator does not insert the forks into the load thoroughly, ensuring that the load is at the back rest of the forks.

In this case, you can stop the operator, advise them of the error, and then have them complete the task again immediately.

If they complete the task correctly after you’ve coached them and you’re confident they understand the requirement, you can mark the task as a “Pass” and indicate in the notes section they initially made a mistake but quickly corrected it after you coached them.

Major Failure

A major failure can be considered as something that can likely not be corrected during the evaluation with coaching and/or something that results in an unsafe condition that the operator could replicate if released to operate the equipment on their own.

For example, some operators will habitually fail to look in the direction of travel while reversing. They may be performing a multi-point turn, looking back while reversing the first time but failing to look back while reversing subsequent times. This can also be common with awareness of the counterbalance swing and positioning.

These types of errors are often habitual and are unlikely to be resolved during the evaluation.

In this case, the practical evaluator should mark the task as failed, add the issue to the notes, and refer the operator for additional practical training and practice under the direct supervision of a trainer, supervisor, or designated operator/mentor.

The evaluator should clearly communicate the issue to the trainer/supervisor/mentor so that the specific issue can be worked out.

The operator can attempt the evaluation again once the trainer/supervisor/mentor believes that the operator’s issue has been resolved.

Multiple Failures

If multiple failures are observed during the practical evaluation, the operator has not received enough practical training and/or practice on the equipment and/or is unfamiliar with the workplace hazards, requirements, expectations, and potentially even forklift fundamentals.

At a minimum, those who display multiple failures must receive additional hands-on training, though it is often beneficial to have them also complete the classroom training again.

Scoring Option – Numbered Scoring Method (1 to 4)

The Numbered Scoring Method, unlike the Pass/Fail, introduces a range of scores to evaluate the operator’s performance in a more detailed manner:

1 (Poor) – The operator made significant errors or showed a lack of understanding in completing the task, potentially jeopardizing safety.
2 (Average) – The operator demonstrated a basic understanding and could complete the task but made some minor mistakes.
3 (Good) – The operator performed the task correctly with only slight room for improvement.
4 (Excellent) – The operator showcased exceptional skill, proficiency, and attention to safety in completing the task.

The benefits of using the Numbered Scoring Method include providing more detailed feedback and recognizing varying degrees of proficiency among operators.

How to Deal with Different Scores

Score of 1 (Poor) or 2 (Average)

Such scores indicate that the operator has areas of improvement.

For a score of 1 (Poor): This is akin to a “major failure” in the Pass/Fail method. The evaluator should mark the score, provide specific feedback on errors made, and refer the operator for additional practical training. A detailed note should be added about the deficiencies. It’s crucial that the evaluator communicates these to a trainer or supervisor for corrective action.

For a score of 2 (Average): This resembles a “minor failure.” The evaluator should provide on-the-spot coaching, if possible, to rectify the error. The operator can then be re-evaluated on that specific task. If they perform significantly better, their score can be adjusted upwards. Regardless of score adjustment, a note about the initial mistake and subsequent coaching should be added.

Score of 3 (Good) or 4 (Excellent)

For a score of 3 (Good): The operator has demonstrated competency, but there might be minor areas to fine-tune. It’s useful to provide feedback to encourage the operator to aim for excellence.

For a score of 4 (Excellent): This indicates that the operator has shown superior skill and understanding. Recognize and potentially reward such performances to motivate continued excellence.

Multiple Low Scores

If an operator consistently receives scores of 1 or 2 across various tasks, it suggests they may be unfamiliar with equipment operations, workplace hazards, or other crucial aspects. In such cases, the operator should undergo comprehensive retraining, both in the classroom and hands-on sessions. It’s essential to ensure that operators not only understand the theoretical aspects but can also apply them practically in a safe and effective manner.