Getting a forklift certification benefits both the employees and the employers, but it’s not just about getting a shiny laminated wallet card that claims one is certified. It goes beyond than that.
Still, it’s not a complicated thing, once you know the steps…
Forklift Certification for Operators
OSHA compliant forklift certification offers several advantages to individual employees as well.
- The biggest advantage of certification is better knowledge and enhanced safety.
- This increased knowledge is the key to getting bigger and better paychecks!
- Work becomes much easier as your skills are enhanced.
Independent research has demonstrated that forklift operators are able to ask for higher salaries than their untrained counterparts. Certification can in fact help you raise your hourly rate significantly.
Forklift Certification for Companies
Surveys have revealed that certified forklift operators are able to charge a higher rate because they are more efficient. This also means that companies that employ certified forklift operators is likely to benefit from better employee productivity. Some other ways that companies benefit from OSHA compliant certification include:
- Better workplace safety – a certified forklift operator is well trained to use the forklift in a safe and effective manner. Accidents are less likely to occur with a trained employee.
- Companies that are not OSHA compliant might need to pay fines as large as $7,000 per operator. The easiest way to remain compliant is to ensure that all forklift operators in your organization are certified.
- If you are evaluated as being non-compliant, are fined or if workplace accidents occur due to uncertified staff, you could even lose your insurance cover.
Recent changes in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.178(l)) require that companies train their forklift operators so as to improve workplace safety and reduce the number of forklift accidents. This rule will only help companies suffer significantly lower losses. It is easy to be compliant.
How to Become a Certified Forklift Operator?
OSHA requires all forklift operators to receive:
- Formal training (classes,videos,written materials)
- Practical training (demonstrations, practice exercises)
- Evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace, which must be specific to the forklifts operated, and specific to the conditions of the workplace in which they will be operated.
Online Forklift Certification Services
If you already know how to drive a forklift, you can easily enroll for online forklift certification program, because all online forklift certification services only give you a formal training.
The entire process is conducted online, without the need to physically attend any classes. You can get certified from the comfort of your own home and by completing the program and at a time of your convenience.
However, if you have no experience in driving a forklift, consider attending such practical training before seeking online certification.
Here is what you get when you enroll for online certification:
- Online training via various visual aids, such as Power Point Presentation
- Information on Safety Rules and Regulations
- Permit to operate and tests and answers to hone your skills
The evaluation process is as follows:
- After the completion of training, your current or future employer needs to evaluate your driving ability on their own forklift.
- The employer is provided training on evaluating employees for certification as outlined by OSHA via a kit that also includes documentation required to accurately evaluate employees.
- Once you pass the evaluation, you will receive the certification in the form of a laminated wallet card that is valid for the next three years. You will need to renew the certification after three years. Some service providers charge for the renewal, while others do not.
Read also: Online Forklift Certification: Is It Legitimate?
No Job – How to get a Forklift Certification?
You can receive OSHA compliant forklift certification even if you are currently unemployed or working in a different area. All you need to do is know how to drive a forklift and complete the online training program. Following this, you can approach potential employer for a job as a certified forklift employer. Your future employer can conduct the evaluation process and certify you.
For this you will need to print out a couple of forms and bring them with you to the new job. Your future boss will fill in these forms and keep them in the company’s HR files for OSHA records.
Information that is included on the Forklift Certificate/Wallet Card:
- The name of the operator
- The date of the training
- The date of the evaluation
- The identity of the person(s) who performed the training or evaluation
- The company’s name
- Signature of the operator and the employer/supervisor
Final Important Note:
There are some things that must be known to all employers and employees about the OSHA compliant forklift certification:
- For a certificate to be valid, it must be accompanied by a hands-on evaluation. An individual who has completed the training program will not be considered as being certified till his employer has filled in the evaluation form to show that the employee has passed the evaluation stage.
- The certification is essentially a permit issued by a company that allows an employee to operate the machinery on their premises.
- Every company MUST evaluate their employees at the time of employment. Many companies mistakenly believe that certification from a previous job will be enough. However, in the absence of proof of classroom training, testing and site- and equipment-specific hands on evaluation, the company could liable to pay heavy fines, upwards of $7,000 for EACH operator.
Forklift Certification and Training in USA
California – Florida – Georgia – Illinois – Texas - Minnesota – New Jersey – New York – Oregon – Washington
Forklift Certification and Training in Canada
British Columbia – Ontario
