Getting your forklift certification isn’t an arduous task. It typically consists of a cyber-course, a written exam and a hands-on forklift test. The entire program can be administered at your workplace if your facility has an OSHA-certified instructor on site. Once your certification is established, it can usually be renewed by re-taking the hands-on test under the supervision of a certified instructor. Most certifications last two or three years.
Training programs might include videos, online quizzes and possibly the use of simulation tools that mimic the real environment where forklifts are operated. Many programs are also bilingual.
Benefits of forklift certification to the forklift operator include:
- Improving your chances of staying safe and in one piece
- Enabling you to build a recognizable record for safe operation
- A good safety record puts you in better standing with your employer
- Helps you build credibility to operate other equipment
- Give you more general professional credibility
More and more, OSHA is demanding that material handlers obtain certification for operating forklifts. OSHA may sponsor some courses, but many are taught by private institutions that OSHA recognizes. Whether you are an individual who is seeking forklift certification or an employer who is seeking a program for your employees to enroll in, choose a program that is recognized by OSHA and which is recognized by other firms who have safety records in good standing.
The many benefits to employers for having employees get forklift certification include:
- Your employees go home in one piece
- So does your product
- Less lost work time
- Less reportable accidents
- Lower insurance rates
- Better outcomes for OSHA audits
If you’re an employer, your own insurance company may also demand that you certify your operators. Even if they don’t make you certify your forklift operators, they will prefer that you do. Furthermore, it may be the key to obtaining favor with your insurance company and possibly to lower rates.
Certified operators will have less accidents
Most forklift accidents are preventable. Lists of reasons for accidents always cite lack of proper training as one of the majors.
The Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety, Canada’s equivalent to OSHA published its own list of causes of forklift accidents on its website…..
“Lack of Proper Training” is at the top of the list of reasons for forklift accidents
You can also become a mentor to other forklift operators
Getting your forklift certification also affords you additional opportunities for you as a professional. Once you yourself are certified, you can coach other operators and provide support to the OSHA trainer on site and to the management staff who seeks to have employees certified. This can give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your abilities to supervise and mentor other employees, which can help you reach career advancement goals of your own.
Being a mentor to other operators also means you are contributing to the better health and safety of everyone you work with, and makes the workplace safer for everyone.
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