Powered mobile equipment (PME) means a self-propelled machine or a combination of machines, including a prime mover, that is designed to manipulate or move materials or to provide a work platform for workers. It can include a variety of machines including forklifts, pallet jacks, agricultural tractors and aerial lift platforms.
All workers must be trained to safely operate PME before using it on the job. OHS legislation states PME training must:
Training
Employers are responsible for training their staff on PME within their workplace. Employers can train internally or hire a trainer.
Training should cover:
- each type of equipment the worker will operate;
- the operator's manual, when available; and
- other safety information.
Workers must be evaluated on what they learned to ensure they are competent in operating PME. These evaluations should be documented and readily available. Workers must be re-evaluated in situations where they have not been operating a specific type of PME regularly for a period of three years.
WorkSafe Saskatchewan's PME Operator Competency Checklist is an example of a checklist employers can use to evaluate a workers' competency. This checklist is only an example and should be modified to include specifics on the PME being used.
Refer to Part 11 of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 to learn more about the regulatory requirements for powered mobile equipment.