Forklift Frequently Asked Questions

Forklift certification can usually be completed in one or two days depending on where you receive your training. Most classes run about six to eight hours of classroom learning coupled with hands-on equipment training in a warehouse. After completing the course students will receive their certificate and an operator’s license

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OSHA regulations to avoid fines, there are a number of added benefits to having your forklift operators trained and certified.

? Forklift safety training covers regular inspections of forklift equipment, which can help reduce the likeliness of accidents and help increase the life of your lift truck equipment.

? Fewer accidents and mistakes can also translate into higher productivity and efficiency while operating lift trucks.

? A workplace attitude of safety is contagious, and if your employees reinforce the importance of safety, it can greatly improve the overall moral of your workers. While they may feel competent to operate a forklift, they may worry about others in their work environment who could cause an accident. Having regular training and certifying your forklift operators can show your employees that you care about their well-being.

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Penalties and fines for not certifying forklift operators are typically handled on a case-by-case basis. The severity of penalties often depends on whether the citation is serious, willful or other than serious. Typical penalties of violation of OSHA’s 1910.178 standards for materials handling and storage can be quite severe. Monetary fines can go up to $250,000 and imprisonment can occur in some cases

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Once every three years, employers must conduct an evaluation of each industrial forklift operator. This includes training similar to what the forklift operator would have experienced during their previous training.

Refresher training is required if the operator has been observed driving in an unsafe manner, has been involved in an accident or an incident that was a near miss, has received an evaluation that indicates unsafe operation, is assigned to drive a different type of forklift or if a workplace condition changes that affect safe operation. An operator evaluation is required after refresher training.

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OSHA, itself, is not required to provide training for forklift operators. The responsibility for forklift training falls solely on the employer. It is up to the employer to provide training themselves or to find outside sources that can train and certify their forklift operators.

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The forklift certification process can vary based on who is providing the training. A formal instructional or educational training on forklift operation must be provided. This can include a lecture, online training courses and videos, written materials and study guides and other educational information on forklift operation and safety.

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Yes, it is the law. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA 1910.178 (i)(6)) requires all forklift operators be certified before operating a lift truck or warehouse product. Proper training and evaluation is completed prior to the operation of industrial forklifts.

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Many forklift-related accidents are attributed to operator carelessness or the operator being unfamiliar with their forklift operating equipment. Forklift certification helps ensure that forklift operators are trained and aware of the risks and dangers associated with operating a forklift in their environment.

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The average hourly pay for all forklift drivers is around $15 per hour but will vary by experience and location. The skill level is the biggest differentiator in pay. The longer you’ve been on the job, the closer you’ll get to that $20 per hour mark.

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The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 includes a provision that states, “only trained and authorized operators will be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.” The 1-2 hour online forklift evaluation training course will allow you to become a certified forklift operator in compliance with OSHA laws

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