Forklift certification is necessary for employees in warehouse, construction or industrial work. Companies are required to ensure all operators are trained and certified, and failure to do so can result in severe fines. Certification can be obtained through on-site training or at an industrial training school. Once certified, it is valid for two to three years and is portable to any job site.
Obtaining a forklift certification is often a general skill requirement for employees in warehouse, construction, or industrial work. Certification to operate a forklift safely is similar to any other on-the-job training process – it must follow a certain teaching and testing method. There are several ways to obtain forklift operator certification, either on your own or through your current employer.
Most companies that own and operate forklifts are required by local safety organizations to ensure that all employees operating a forklift are trained and certified. One such organization that requires forklift operators to be certified in the United States is called OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Failure to properly train all forklift operators can result in severe fines and penalties for employers.
If you work for a company that requires the use of forklifts, you will likely undergo a forklift training certification program taught by an on-site manager. Topics that will be taught may include a general understanding of forklift components, proper use of a forklift, and safety tips. During training, your understanding of the training will be assessed and a performance test will be administered, at which point you will receive a certification card.
In other cases, if you want to become certified as a forklift driver, you may need to take a course taken at an industrial or forklift equipment certification training school. The course will consist of in-depth training on different types of lift trucks, safety techniques and a written and driving test. Once the test is successfully completed, you will receive a forklift certification card.
Once a forklift is certified, it is usually valid for two to three years, like a driver’s license. The forklift certification designation is portable, meaning it can be used for any job you perform on a forklift at any employer job site. Depending on the type of work you do, this is considered an advantage when looking for a forklift operator job.
Obtaining a forklift certification is an important requirement for many industrial type jobs. Failure to obtain forklift training and operator certification could cause serious injury to you, other employees and company property. Before operating a forklift, ask your immediate supervisor about certification as a forklift operator to avoid costly mistakes.
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