
Vision Tests?
Has anyone done annual vision tests for forklift operators? I haven't heard of a place doing it but I think it might be a decent idea.
Comments (9)

I've honestly never heard of anyone doing it, but I do know that the old ANSI B56.1-1969 standard recommends it, as well as checking hearing, reaction timing, etc.
I think it's a good idea and would support it - just never heard of anyone actually implementing it.

We require anyone operating motor vehicles regardless of type sumbit to a Motor Vehicle Record check. They have to submit a driver's license for the check. If they are required to wear corrective lenses while driving, they must use them when operating any our motor vehicles.

I have only seen it once in over 50 years in this business! It is an employer between us on the Lake here in WI. I can not share customer's name in a public forum. I am sure you could guess it quicky if you know this area at all. I did some PIT Train-the-Trainer Training for them about 5 years ago. At that time they gave me their written PIT Program. I was surprised in that it required a complete physical exam by a MD with an eye exam for every PIT permit issued, including renewals. This employer has 1000s of employees. However, at that time they were talking about redoing their entire program. since that was one huge headache I suggested they did what we did at my huge employer. I did the same training for them just this last January, but they refused to give consultants any of their program, which made the training more difficult.
When I was with a large employer here in Manitowoc our national corporate PIT Policy that I had to follow (with some minor local changes allowed) prescribed the use of a state driving license to certify vision. If you had to wear corrective lenses to drive a car you had to do the same with a PIT in our corporation (that edict I could not edit locally),
I had to consult corporate when we had to renew a PIT permit (we did them every other year another mandate) but the employee's drivers license had been revoked by a judge and WI. I had to have our visiting OCC Nurse give him an eye test. Since had to wear glasses to drive a car, he had to do the same on a PIT.
I cannot see any of my smaller customers ever having annual vision exams. I am lucky to get them to even check Drivers' Licenses although I recommend it! I agree with Drew it would be a great practice but a hassle!
I really like Michael's suggestion too!

I also thought about checking for color-blindness as well, but never implemented it