Forklift Classes Help People Start a New Career

Andre Hearn (left) and Michael Hall learn forklift operation through Joliet Junior College's Institute of Economic Technology's Industrial Power Lift Training program.

"The program is designed to meet the increasing demand for forklift operators throughout the area," said Amy Murphy, director of Contract Services for Joliet Junior College. The 120-hour program is open to anyone who wants a career in distribution. For more information, call Amy Murphy at (815) 280-1418, or e-mail amurphy@jjc.edu.

From Forklift Operator to General Manager: In a Fast-Paced Industry, This Young Leader Quickly Rose to Success

General Manager, Ammie Rabicke takes control of a modern forklift at DSC.

Opportunities in the logistics and supply chain industry are increasing every year. While many people may think of this field as a mundane job in a warehouse, those who actually do the work know it is a fast-paced, exciting, and important occupation.

One of those people is Ammie Rabicke, who is general manager at DSC Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Elwood, Illinois. DSC is a national corporation providing supply chain solutions to some of the largest companies in the world including food, tobacco, and consumer goods. Their National Service Center handles 3,000 shipments per day using the latest software technology.

Ammie Rabicke is an important part of DSC. We asked her to share her insights into this rapidly growing field and give some sage advice to people considering a career in the supply-chain management industry.

How long have you been in the logistics industry?

Since 1990 - 16 years

What prompted you to enter this field?

It started out as a part-time summer job in 1990 and the energy and fastpace was contagious. I worked part time during my summer and winter breaks from college for 4 years before I entered the field full time.

What was your first job in the logistics industry? Did you like it?

My first full time job was a warehouse supervisor in North Carolina. I managed a team of 300 temporary employees that build sweatshirt and sweatpant displays for Wal-Mart. I liked my first job, no day was ever the same and there was constant change and challenges.

Did you further your education while employed in the industry?

I did not formally further my education while in the industry. I used industry opportunities such as WERC (Warehousing Education Research Council) or Industry Symposiums to further my knowledge of the industry. Also, being in 3rd party logistics you have the opportunity to learn a lot through your customers.

How can someone starting out in the distribution industry as a forklift operator improve their position and achieve promotions?

My best advice is don't be afraid to learn something new. If you don't ask to learn new things or show the initiative to learn, no one will ever know your desire to grow. Be willing to put in extra hours and be willing to do the "next level" job before you earn it. Promotions are not just given to people; promotions are earned. Often the people who have done the job even when it wasn't "their responsibility" earn the promotions.

One of the many wide aisles flanked on either side by palletes stacked with product at the DSC plant in Elwood, Illinois.

In your opinion, what makes someone a good forklift operator?

A good forklift operator has 6 general traits:

• The ability to work safely
• Dependability - showing up for work everyday
• Good work ethic - wanting to do a good job and giving an honest day's effort
• Cooperation and communication with others
• Showing initiative to learn new tasks
• Good math skills

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about a career in logistics?

Based on my experience in the logistics industry I would highly recommend a career in logistics for anyone who hates being bored. The industry offers so many options to people; transportation, distribution, customer service, inventory control. My advice: be prepared to work hard and approach each day as a new challenge. Individuals who have great people skills and are well organized creative problem solvers will be successful in this industry.

NFPA 70E: Why Comply?

The newly released NFPA 70E has a whole new look and content. It covers protection for electrical workers from hazards such as shock, arc blasts and explosions initiated by electricity, outside conductors and more. It's a must-read for all electrical workers and their employers.

The newly released 2004 edition has a revamped title, look and content. It covers protection for electrical workers from hazards such as shock, arc blasts and explosions initiated by electricity, outside conductors and more. It's a must-read for all electrical workers and their employers.

Why is NFPA 70E important to employers?

NFPA 70E provides specific information to help companies prevent or minimize exposure to all widely recognized electrical hazards. To underscore its importance, the safety related work practices chapter has been moved to chapter one in the 2004 edition.

Safety practices, such as those recommended by NFPA 70E, help minimize employees' risk of burns, blindness, electrocution, electric shock and associated falls. A decrease in employee injury and death rates can reduce workers' compensation costs and help companies avoid noncompliance penalties.

How big of a concern is electrical safety?

According to an article by NFPA's Senior Electrical Specialist Kenneth Mastrullo, "Statistics show that electrical contact results in 4,000 non-disabling and 3,600 disabling injuries annually in the United States, not to mention one death in the workplace every day."

What is the connection between NFPA 70E and OSHA?

NFPA 70E was originally developed at OSHA's request to address electrical hazards in the workplace. OSHA bases its electrical safety requirements on the comprehensive information in NFPA 70E. Even though OSHA does not mandate compliance with NFPA 70E itself, it considers NFPA 70E to be an effective how-to manual for OSHA regulation compliance.

How does NFPA 70E complement OSHA regulations?

OSHA requires the use of protective equipment when working where potential electrical hazards exist, although the agency does not specify how to select personal protective equipment. OSHA requires the employer to assess workplace hazards and the need for personal protective equipment, but it does not specify how to conduct hazard assessments.

In lieu of detailed specifications, OSHA recognizes, and in some cases refers to, industry consensus standards such as NFPA 70E as a tool for assisting with regulatory compliance.

Can you avoid OSHA citations by complying with NFPA 70E?

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, otherwise known as the general duty clause, requires an employer to furnish "employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees."

The clause enables OSHA to issue citations when unsafe conditions are identified for which a regulation does not exist. Industry consensus standards such as NFPA 70E may serve as evidence that a hazard is recognized and that there is a feasible means of correcting the hazard.

Where can I receive training on the standard?

Joliet Junior College offers customized training programs for your employees. This training is eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement. Call us today at (815) 280-1429.