Qualifying Nearly Finished for WA Statewide Forklift Rodeo
Boeing's Auburn Facility will host the third and final qualifying forklift rodeo Aug. 20 for next month's competition.
Washington state's Department of Labor & Industries is inviting professional forklift drivers in Western Washington to Boeing's Auburn Facility on Aug. 20 for the third and final qualifying forklift rodeo before statewide competition takes place next month. The prior two competitions were held in Richland and Spokane; the top five winners from all three events compete in the 14th Annual Forklift Rodeo that will be held at the start of the 60th Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Tacoma on Sept. 28 and 29.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board and the department.
The forklift rodeos stress skill and safety and typically draw the best forklift drivers from around the state. Competitors must pass a written exam and a pre-use inspection of a forklift before competing in an obstacle course. The top seven drivers in the regional competitions earn cash prizes ranging from $50 to $300. In the finals, prizes range from $100 to $500 for the top five drivers.
Participation is limited to the first 30 drivers who register. To register, visit www.wagovconf.org or call 206-281-3842 or 888¬451-2004 (TDD users: 360-902-5797). The entry fee is $40 for competitors. Spectators are welcome free of charge. The department says the competitions encourage safety among forklift operators and raise awareness of hazards associated with forklift use.