Do I Need Hands-On Training to Pass Forklift Certification?

Forklifts are responsible for nearly 40,000 serious injuries in the workplace every year. But despite training requirements that operators learn the basics before getting behind the wheel, many new operators report feeling completely overwhelmed and unable to operate a forklift correctly after their initial certification.

That’s because proper training doesn’t come from simply reading an instruction manual or watching a video online. Proper training will take what you learn in the classroom and connect it to real life with an instructor by your side. That’s what Safety Counselling is dedicated to – providing you with the hands-on experience you need to become a confident forklift operator.

Learn the Importance of Hands-On Forklift Training

• Hands-On Experience Is Key – When you learn how to operate a forklift truck in a hands-on capacity, you gain the operational knowledge and safety skills necessary to excel.
• Training Is Required by Law – OSHA and CSA both require operators to complete a training program and pass a hands-on skills evaluation before receiving forklift certification.
• Online Training Isn’t Enough – Operating a forklift truck is a skill that you have to learn by doing. Online training doesn’t allow for the actual skillset to be taught.
• Learn Key Skills – Understanding how to move different loads, what you should do to stay safe, and how to react if an accident happens are just a few of the skills that will help you work more efficiently.

What Is Hands-On Forklift Training?

Hands-on forklift training is a set of skills that are taught to beginners who want to learn how to improve upon their understanding of forklift safety and operation. While hands-on training can come in many forms, research shows that this type of education typically takes place in an employee’s workplace.

Safety Counselling’s definition of hands-on training would consist of having a professional trainer walk you through the basics of forklift operation and having them supervise you as you get comfortable driving one. Not only will you learn how to drive a lift truck, but you will be made aware of all safety protocols that need to be followed to ensure you and those around you stay safe.

Online Forklift Training vs. Hands-On Training

There are two forms of forklift training available to operators today. In-person, hands-on training and online training. While research conducted by our training certification experts has shown that there are benefits to both styles of education, let’s take a closer look at what online forklift training can really teach you.

Pluses

• You can complete this training at your own pace
• You can learn basic operational knowledge from home
• You save time not having to attend in-person training.

Cons

• Online training won’t make you a better forklift operator.
• It’s impossible to learn actual skills through online training.
• Many employers will not accept online training as valid certification.

Best of all, our training courses are OSHA compliant, which means that you can trust the information you learn here. We focus on providing hands-on experience and fundamental knowledge so that you have no problem passing your certification evaluation.

OSHA Requirements for Forklift Operator Training

Did you know that operating a forklift is a skill that must be officially certified? According to trainingresearch.org, OSHA guidelines 1910.178 state that every powered industrial truck operator must be trained and certified before being allowed to operate equipment at a job site.

Best practices and OSHA guidelines require four stages of training every forklift operator should complete:

• Complete a formal training program.
• Pass a written examination.
• Have your skills evaluated by a qualified trainer.
• Receive training that’s specific to your work environment.

Online training can be completed in as little as an hour. However, someone who is hands-on will need to verify your skills before you are allowed to operate a lift. Taking your time to learn as much as you can ensure that you know how to stay safe while working.

Skills You’ll Learn During Forklift Training

Operating a forklift is much more than just learning how to drive one. While hands-on training will go over the basics of driving, there are a few other skills that you’ll learn.

• How to properly move different types of loads
• How to stay safe while on the job
• What to do in case of an accident
• How to avoid potential hazards
• Correct turning and positioning techniques.

In forklift training, you’ll learn everything there is to know about staying safe while operating heavy machinery. Not only will you learn how to drive but you will learn about workplace safety as well. You become more aware of your surroundings and what precautions you should take to prevent injuries.

Common Training Mistakes and Challenges

Every year, thousands of operators attempt to become certified without ever doing hands-on training. Research has shown that while online training can give you the knowledge you need to pass your certification test, it does not allow you to learn the skills.

If you aren’t trained correctly, you could put yourself and those around you at risk. Here are a few forklift training mistakes that you should avoid.

• Only taking online training courses.
• Not having your skills physically evaluated.
• Neglecting to learn safety protocols that are specific to your job site.
• Forget to do a pre-inspection every time.
• Not understanding how loads affect your center of gravity.
• Thinking you know everything there is to know about forklift operation.

Technology can interrupt the training process and leave you missing large pieces of information. You can become overconfident in your skills and that’s when accidents happen. Forklift trainers focus on situation awareness and teaching you how to think before you act.

Become a confident forklift operator with hands-on training you can trust

Learning how to drive a forklift truck is only a portion of what Safety Counselling teaches. Here we focus on improving your skills and keeping you safe while on the job. Don’t learn how to operate a forklift truck and forget about the safety aspect.

Knowledge and Experience Convert into Confidence

You need to have the knowledge and skill set to know how to react if an accident were to occur. Skip the online training and test prep. Come to Safety Counselling where we don’t just teach you how to drive but help you learn what to do if something happens.

Safety Counselling has the training programs you need to become a certified forklift operator. Whether you are looking to get an individual trained or need a complete safety program for your business, we can help. Our in-person forklift training courses is offered regularly and can be scheduled around your business needs.

Don’t wait another second to become trained by professionals and learn how to stay safe while on the job. Visit SafetyCounselling.com today to learn more about our trusted hands-on forklift operation courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get certified to drive a forklift?

To become certified to drive a forklift, you must complete a training program and pass a skills evaluation.

Can I learn to operate a forklift online?

You can take the training courses online, but you will still need someone to evaluate your skills.

Is forklift training expensive?

That depends on who you train with. At Safety Counselling, our in-person training courses are affordably priced.

Can I train myself to drive a forklift?

While you can teach yourself how to drive, it’s not recommended. You should always have someone supervise you until you feel comfortable doing it on your own.

Do I have to take a test to get forklift certified?

Yes, every certification process includes an evaluation of some sort. At Safety Counselling, we have a skills evaluation that you will have to pass to become certified.