What You Need to Know Before Getting Your Forklift Certification Course

Are you planning to become a certified forklift operator, or are you trying to ensure employees have all the necessary training? Forklifts are heavy equipment that can be very dangerous when not properly handled. Many companies face the problem of certifying and training forklift operators, which can lead to costly accidents and, in some cases, injuries.

This is how Online Forklift Certification helps. Understanding the concept of Forklift Certification is essential to keeping the workplace safe from hazards. It allows trainers to train the trainees while ensuring compliance in the business.

This guide will give you essential information about Forklift Certification, its types, and the steps to becoming a qualified forklift operator. So, let’s start with the forklift and its types.

OSHA’s Powered Industrial Truck Classifications

Forklifts are categorized into several classes based on their design and intended use. Here are the seven classes of forklifts recognized by OSHA:

Understanding these classifications is essential, as different types of forklifts require specific training.

Common Types of Forklifts

What is Forklift Certification?

Forklift Certification entails developing essential skills for efficient, safe, and effective vehicle operation. It certifies a person as a competent forklift operator which means the driver understands how to operate a forklift effectively.

What skills are necessary for a forklift driver?

A set of skills is provided in Forklift Certification training that is helpful and engaging. Below are the particular skills associated with safe operation that are often included within the scope of forklift certification programs:

• Basic Forklift Operation: Jacking the vehicle, driving, and performing other operations such as stopping the vehicle and driving in reverse and driving the forklift in confined areas
• Load Handling and Management: Evenly lifting and unstable loads for movement, stacking items, and other load movements within a warehouse.
• Safety Protocols: These protocols outline understanding the risks associated with the site both internally and externally in the workplace and enumerate ways and means of shielding against such risks including the use of personal protective gear (PPG).
• Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: This includes inspection and servicing of primary movable parts of the vehicle and doing periodic maintenance to the machine for operational safety.
• Operational Procedures: Operating risks involving the use of hydraulic controls for powering vehicles and the risk of refueling hydraulic cars and battery-operated forklifts.
• Environmental Awareness: Changing working styles according to the environment, such as different degrees of constricted space, open settings, and darkness.
• Emergency Response: Dealing with problem situations such as equipment breakdowns, turnover, and minor injuries by providing elementary medical aid.

OSHA Standards and Regulations for Forklift Operators

OSHA has established regulations concerning using forklifts, which are outlined in standard 29 CFR 1910.178. This standard requires employers to create and enforce a forklift operator training program.

This program must cover:

• General principles of safe forklift operation
• The type of vehicles being used (all Powered Industrial Trucks)
• Hazards created by forklift use in the workplace
• OSHA's safety requirements for powered industrial trucks
• Requirements set by OSHA for Forklift Certification

The US Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regulations requires that any employee intending to operate a forklift must:

• Formal Instruction: Employees may attend either in-person or online induction. One advantage of Online Forklift Certification is that one does not have to be present physically.
• Practical Training: Actual use of the equipment.
• Evaluation: Evaluation of the qualified operator’s performance regarding the safe conduct of work activities.

Forklift Certification Renewal and Expiration

According to OSHA, it is required to recertify your forklift every 3 years. After 3 years, the operators should take up refresher training along with performance evaluation while using the forklift.

• Forklift Certification lasts for three years.
• Operators must receive refresher training before the certification expires.
• Employers must ensure that operators are re-evaluated every three years.

Bringing these refresher courses to a finite schedule ensures that forklift operators do not lose touch with their skill set or safety protocols and keep acquiring knowledge of new technologies. Thus, continuing training reduces the risk of accidents, improves operator confidence, and strengthens a safety culture.

OSHA Forklift Training Eligibility Criteria

Understanding OSHA's rules is vital for compliance.

• Age Requirement: For any operations that are classified as non-agricultural, 18 should be the minimum age for anybody operating a forklift.
• License Not Required: Unlike a car, a state license is unnecessary for a person to operate a forklift; specialized training is, however, required.

Who Needs to Obtain Forklift Certification?

• Operators: Workers who lift and transport materials, load or unload goods, or drive forklifts within the client warehouse premises.
• Employers and supervisors: Supervisors may not operate the machines, but their input into the existing situation is significant for fostering a safe environment.
• Warehouse and facility management: Any person responsible for using a warehouse or facility must have some knowledge of safety requirements.
• Safety personnel: Safety personnel must possess a sound understanding of safe working practices, which include safety officers and safety coordinators.

Benefits of Forklift Certification

• Adaptive Learning: Online education allows students to complete training according to their pace and schedule.
• Convenient: Material may be accessed anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Economical: It is generally less expensive than face-to-face teaching in a classroom.
• Upgraded Content: Many online training programs update the training material to suit the current regulations and best practices.
• Low-stress Environment: Online platforms keep learners relaxed and focused—improving retention of course material.

Importance of Forklift Training for Workplace Safety

Forklifts are important machines in building projects, storage houses, and factories. But even with their importance, they pose a huge safety risk if not handled correctly.

Every year, OSHA records 85 deadly forklift injuries within the US alone. In addition, as per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, around 35,000 – 62,000 injuries happen each year because of accidents arising from forklifts.

Statistics on Forklift Safety

Gaining insight into the numbers surrounding forklift accidents ensures the massive weight of adequate training can be appreciated.

• While tilting, some 42% of the total forklift-related deaths are sustained from being crushed underneath the machinery.
• In 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 9 thousand forklift injury-related incidents that were detrimental enough to cause absence from work.
• National Safety Council data implies that over 67 people died as a result of forklift work injuries in 2023.
• Between 2021 and 2022, there were around 24,960 DART cases, which funded 23 million dollars, and 15 thousand cases where employees couldn’t work.
• There are at least 100 crush deaths a year relating to forklifts in America
• More than 1/3 of the total warehouse accidents result from forklifts.

This calls for the misuse of forklifts to consider statistics that highlight safety training and certification.

Case Study: The Legal Consequences of Insufficient Forklift Training

Study Overview:
James W. Arnazzi filed a lawsuit against Quad/Graphics, Inc. and Robert Knighten, which was recorded as 218 W.Va.36, 621 S_E_2d 705 (2005). The author collected the relevant data and drew the fundamental issue concerning the lack of training for a powered forklift operator. Such incidents evoke more serious legal implications.

The worker in this case, James W. Arnazz, was injured while using the forklift at work. He claimed that he was not adequately trained for that task.

Key Findings:

• Employers carry legal responsibility for giving workers proper training for heavy machinery operations such as forklifts.
• A lack of training might be viewed as a “specific unsafe working condition” under deliberate intention laws, resulting in liability for employers.
• With sufficient training, there may have been no injury, and consequently, no lawsuit.

Lessons Learned:

• Compulsory forklift safety training helps protect workers and prevents litigation.
• Ignoring required employee training can violate legal requirements and make an organization liable for damages.

Source:
Arnazzi v. Quad/Graphics, Inc., and Robert Knighten, Google Scholar

The Impact of Forklift Certification on Workplace Safety

• Decreased Chances of Workplace Injuries: Accidents (including fatal ones) are reduced when operators are fully trained.
• Enhanced Productivity: Certified operators work more efficiently with fewer mistakes, leading to higher output.
• Lowered Insurance Fees: With fewer injuries, employers often pay lower premiums.

How to get Forklift Certification Online?

Getting an Online Forklift Certification can be considered the most efficient way to abide by the OSHA standards. Different Online courses have pre-recorded videos, practical sessions, and a touch test at the end.

Steps to get Certified Online:

• Choose a Reputable Course Provider: Look for accredited providers like Get OSHA Courses, which offer OSHA-compliant training programs. Enroll now in the Forklift Certification Course and become a certified forklift operator today.
• Finish the course: Complete the online training that consists of practical and theoretical classes and testing.
• Pass the Exam: Pass the exam which, if successful, allows you to receive the certification you sought.
• Receive Certification: Your Forklift Certification, valid for three years, will be rewarded once you pass the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of certification does a forklift operator require?
The operator should consider certification that complies with OSHA standards. This certification offers the most comprehensive training, adhering to all safety regulations while safely using the equipment.

How long does it take to learn how to operate a forklift?
Learning to operate a forklift is an easy task. Online tutorials can effectively prepare anyone willing to undergo certification, which can be done in 2 to 4 hours. This includes instructional videos, quizzes, and the final exam. For certification, a person is required to undergo practical training for an additional 1 to 2 days.

Is it possible to get a forklift certification online?
You can acquire an Online Forklift Certification. Online courses on forklift training are an effective and efficient way to fulfill the OSHA standards.

Where can I get forklift training?
Many providers offer forklift training courses. You can train at vocational schools, safety training centers, or through an online program.
If you are looking for online certification, Get OSHA Courses is the most suitable provider. We primarily focus on cheap but OSHA-compliant Forklift Certification training.

What type of forklift training do I need?
When selecting the type of forklift training you need, consider your budget, load capacity, and workplace conditions.

How much does forklift training cost?
Online forklift operator certification courses generally cost $79, but this varies. Get OSHA Courses offers affordable certification for only $59 while maintaining OSHA-compliant quality.

Is forklift certification valid across different states?
Yes, your certification is valid nationwide as long as it complies with OSHA standards.

How Much Do Forklift Operators Make?
As of Jan 2025, the average hourly wage for a forklift operator in the U.S. is $18.47 or $38,400 annually. Entry-level wages start at $14.76, while experienced operators may earn $23.12.

Conclusion

To operate a forklift properly, one must undergo a certification program. By learning OSHA regulations, exploring certification options, and understanding the benefits of training, operators can meet compliance standards and reduce workplace risks.

Don't wait until it's too late—Get OSHA Courses now! Give yourself or your workers the skills necessary for safe forklift operation!