If you’re interested in becoming a forklift operator or need to train new warehouse employees, you’ll need to be aware of forklift certification requirements. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all operators are professionally trained to protect the safety of workers and visitors. If companies don’t follow these rules, they face fines and consequences from OSHA.
An OSHA certification ensures that a forklift operator can do a job safely and efficiently. Operating a forklift requires proper skill and knowledge. Without forklift training, operators can pose a serious threat to themselves and others in the warehouse.
“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all forklift operators be properly certified before they can operate equipment.”
On-The-Job Forklift Training
If you’re hired as an operator and haven’t received outside forklift training, your employer will be responsible for training you. This type of forklift operator training will take place at the workplace with the type of forklift you will operate.
Employers are also required to train employees on all operating instructions, warnings, and precautions listed in the operator’s manual for the type of vehicle which the employee is being trained to operate, whether it be pallet jacks, an electric sit down forklift, or a cushion tire forklift. If a company doesn’t give you specific instruction on the type of machine you’ll operate, ask for it. After completing the training, your employer should issue a certificate and maintain these records. You should get a copy of the forklift certification for your own records as well.
Outside Forklift Training
Another option is to obtain a forklift certification through outside instruction or an online OSHA-compliant course. There are many qualified OSHA forklift training programs that can provide evidence that you have successfully completed classroom and practical training. Your employer will still need to ensure that each operator is able to operate a truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation.
If you decide to go this route, you may still have to convey your competency at your job site to fully meet OSHA requirements. Your boss will most likely have you submit to some sort of evaluation.
You can also attend a forklift certification course in person. If you want hands-on training before hitting the job site, this may be a good option. There are typically lecture, examination, and driving components to these types of classes.
Forklift Refresher Training
OSHA requires that employers take the time to retrain forklift periodically. Forklift refresher training should be given when a driver does poorly on evaluations, is involved in a workplace forklift accident or near accident, or is seen driving a machine in an unsafe manner. When a company aquires new forklifts that are different than those drivers are familiar with, drivers must complete forklift refresher training. OSHA standards also require companies to evaluate and re-train all operators every three years.
Keeping Your Employees Safe
If you manage a company that uses heavy machinery, keep your employees safe by implementing proper forklift operator training. Plus, keep money in your pocket by following forklift certification requirements and avoiding hefty OSHA fines.
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