Why Do I Need to Have a Forklift Certification to Operate a Forklift?

Obtaining a forklift certification is a mandatory OSHAprovides an interesting and informative session. A
law. The objective is to ensure the health and safetywritten test checks student comprehension.
of the forklift driver and people who might be aroundCompletion certificates provided at the end of the
during the drivers operation of the forklift. There is aclass. Records can be maintained for recall.
penalty up to $7,000 per employee that companies"On the Equipment" Evaluation: Job site hazard
may be subject if they discover during an inspectionevaluation, pre-operational equipment inspection,
forklift drivers operating without their forklift certification.operational instruction and a pass/fail operational test
This is enough reason to make sure all yourare combined to reinforce training.
employees are certified with OSHA forklift standards.Major Topics: OSHA Requirements (understanding &
There are many places available that provide forkliftregulation), Controls & Instrumentation, Engine Operation
training to employees. Because of the internet,and Maintenance, Steering and Maneuvering, Visibility,
nowadays is possible to complete the forklift trainingFork & Attachment Limitations, Rated Capacities,
online. There is a misunderstanding that the forkliftStability, Inspection & Maintenance, Refueling, Load
certification training is "just a test". The forklift trainingManipulation, Pedestrians, Hazardous Locations &
must contain several areas of study. Also keep in mindRough Terrain Operation
that OSHA does not require employers to have anThere are also many options available for employees
outside organization to certify forklift operators. Anthat they are transitioning to new jobs. There few
employee evaluation of the skills necessary for forkliftcompanies that provides forklift certification training for
safety in your workplace is what OSHA requiresindividuals.
before the employer signs that the employee isMany of the forklift certification training varies between
certified regulations and avoid expensive penalties.$49 (online), $300 (Do it Yourself- Train the Trainer
Typically the curriculum for a good forklift certificationKIT). Typically, the cost for a consultant to complete an
service should include the following:on-site training varies between $100 to $150 per
Classroom Training: A combination of video, poweremployee.
point presentation, models and interactive discussion