Forklift Certification: Essential Requirements for Operators
The Forklift Certification
According to OSHA, an estimated 35,000 to 62,000 injuries occur annually due to forklifts. Therefore, OSHA recommends that workers obtain certification from an authorized safety trainer before operating a forklift.
This Forklift Certification of a trainee should state that:
OSHA Forklift Accident Statistics
Along with the date and name of the training provider, “The OSHA forklift training has been completed by the driver”
Along with the date and name of the person who evaluated the driver “The evaluation test has been successfully passed by the driver”
However, OSHA does not require a driver’s license from forklift operators. OSHA only emphasizes the importance of forklift training and being OSHA forklift certified.
The following points are focused on the OSHA forklift training program for forklift certification they are;
Must have knowledge about the main points of forklifts for safe forklift exercises.
The trainee must have general knowledge about different types of vehicles that will be used in training as training is not only regarding forklifts but also such types of heavy machinery.
Knowledge about hazards and accidents that could be caused by using a forklift.
The trainee must know about general safety rules regarding industrial forklifts and trucks. In OSHA, the employer who is giving training to these trainees is responsible for all duties.
Forklifts Involved Incidents, Nonfatal
2021-22 TOTAL
DART cases: 24,960
DAFW cases: 15,480
Median number of DART days: 22
Median days away from work: 18
MEDIAN DAYS AWAY
DART Cases, 2021-22
Event or Exposure
Nature
Industry
Why does OSHA Emphasize the Importance of Forklift Certification?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the great importance of Forklift Certification and its requirements. In 2022, there were 7740 accidents involving forklifts. For the safety of forklift operators, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries stated that forklift operators with improper/incomplete training, or the ones who drive forklifts carelessly, are more prone to dangerous situations and also to death.
According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, a careless and untrained forklift operator could become as dangerous as an unlicensed driver of a motor vehicle. Upon getting adequate training, you will be able to comply with the following:
Know how to use a forklift appropriately and safely.
Must understand and follow information on forklift hazards, precautions, and directions.
Trainees must be able to distinguish between cars and forklifts.
understanding of engine and motor operations.
A complete understanding and knowledge of their forklift, its controls, and overall management.
How to drive a forklift while controlling the movement of the machine.
It is essential to do a vehicle inspection before commencing work.
Those who know how much weight a forklift can handle and how to keep balance while lifting.
Maneuvering on slopes, use a combination of maximum and lowest load.
Stay at least 20 feet away from other members of the public.
Understanding the maximum weight capacity of their vehicle should be knowledgeable about it.
Can load and unload the freight.
Drive the vehicle over uneven or slippery terrain such as terrain with obstacles, slick floors, or surfaces with load restrictions, the driver needs to know how to manage the vehicle.
Requirements for the Certification
How could one become eligible for the certification of Forklift from OSHA, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration? The requirements are provided below!
Before being forklift certified, the employee has to demonstrate the following skills and their learned practices in front of the trainer so that the trainer can make sure if the trainee is eligible for forklift certification or not.
This blended method of guidance for forklift certification will help the most in getting OSHA forklift certified as it concludes almost all of the points to be eligible for OSHA forklift certification. OSHA also provides online forklift safety training videos to help their trainees and also trainers.
It is the responsibility of the employer who provides trainees with forklift training to make them competent, confident, secure, and most importantly to make them manage hazardous situations in their forklift training.
After every forklift certification requirement is approved, the trainer will provide the trainee with a certificate that will include the trainer’s name, the date of the evaluation, and the person(s) names that are performing the evaluation or training. According to OSHA, a certificate that lacks the above-mentioned points will not be approved as OSHA Forklift certified.
Types of OSHA Forklift Training
It’s important to remember that there are multiple courses available online that can help you earn forklift certification such as the Rough Terrain Forklift Safety course. However, there are three main ways in which individuals can go about their forklift training.
The 3-Year Cycle.
Even after being certified by OSHA forklift training, after a long period of 3 years, the training is no longer effective and has to be refreshed. It is the duty of employers to train them.
According to the Osha Forklift Certification:
“Employers must also certify that each operator has received the training and evaluate each operator at least once every three years.”
In this refresher training, the employee has to make sure that the trainee knows all of the key points to handle forklifts and has passed the quality test for OSHA forklift certification.
The Corrective Refresher Training
As mentioned, forklift certification expires after every 3 years. It is not important for forklift operators to receive any additional training in these 3 years. The already possessed training is enough. But, if the operator shows some unprofessional skills, then refreshing training is a must to get. Such type of additional training becomes a must when;
The forklift operator is observed to operate a vehicle in a not-so-safe manner.
When somebody has reported about a forklift operator that reveals a report of using a forklift in an unsafe manner.
The operator just came in contact with an accident or hazardous situation.
The Refreshing Training for Different Circumstances
The refresher training becomes necessary when:
The operator of the forklift machine is assigned to deal with a different kind of forklift.
When changes in the condition of the workplace take place. Such as sifting of the workplace.
Always keep in mind to provide additional Forklift training to trainees if such circumstances take place always to fulfill the requirements of OSHA forklift certification. Remember that employees must receive additional OSHA forklift training to keep on the right side of all OSHA forklift certification requirements. You can learn about Forklift safety and Electrical Safety and Fire Protection by enrolling yourself in the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry online training course. This course provides basic knowledge about several essential site safety topics, including selecting and employing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and potential site safety.
Conclusion
OSHA’s emphasis on forklift certification is crucial for reducing workplace accidents and ensuring operator safety. Proper training and certification equip forklift operators with the necessary skills to handle hazardous situations and operate machinery safely. Employers play a vital role in providing comprehensive training, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and conducting refresher courses as required.
Adhering to OSHA’s guidelines helps prevent accidents and fosters a safer work environment. Continuous education, such as the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course, further enhances understanding and adherence to safety protocols.
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