What Do Employers Need to Know About OSHA Forklift Certification?
Driving a forklift takes expertise, patience, but most of all, you must know how to foresee potential dangers and maintain high safety standards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has an important role in the safety of forklift operators and mandates that a forklift operator must be certified as qualified to operate a forklift.
OSHA forklift certification was created to help decrease the chances of forklift accidents and to ensure the safety of the people who work with forklifts every day. All OSHA studies indicate that forklift accidents are linked to operator knowledge.
For every dollar spent, our training can potentially save you approximately $70. Below we will explore the important notes about OSHA forklift certification and the reasons why it’s a crucial weapon against accidents.
What Is a Forklift Certificate?
Forklift certification is a training and evaluation of a forklift operator that is supreme Facility a requirement of OSHA.
It targets employers who employ workers who drive forklifts on the job. Prior to allowing any employee to use a forklift, the employer must in writing certify that the employee is qualified to safely use the potent equipment.
Who Needs It?
Anyone who uses a forklift, regardless of whether it is on a full-time or part-time basis, needs to gain OSHA forklift certification. This applies to forklift operators, their supervisors, contractors, vendors or anyone else whose job duties include operating forklifts in the workplace.
The Certification Process
OSHA forklift certification often includes a mix of classroom learning, hands-on training, and an assessment of a worker’s abilities.
The training should include relevant forklift and workplace topics, e.g. principles of forklift operation including the all-important factors of balance and stability, the workplace environment as well as the proper handling of loads and the forklift’s limitations.
A professional operator examination, tool handling operation test and some written test are done to verifying that the students has learned safely this knowledges and he can apply in practice.
Advantages of OSHA Forklift Certification
Here are the some of the advantages of OSHA forklift certification.
- Safety: At its core, OSHA forklift certification is all about safety. Good training give operators the skills to avoid hazards and prevent accidents, thus avoiding injury of operators and bystanders, and allowing us all to come home to our families at the end of a shift.
- Fewer Accidents and Liabilities: Competently skilled forklift operators are less likely to get into accidents which prevent injuries and damages. Companies that give preference to OSHA forklift certification can also reduce potential liability when accidents ineluctably occur in the workplace.
- Regulatory Compliance: OSHA has strict regulations for workplace safety, and a business that is not compliant can face penalties and fines of up to $135,532. OSHA forklift certification is a way to guarantee that the employers follow this law and that the employees work in a safe and compliant surrounding.
- Faster Work: Trained forklift drivers work faster than their untrained peers, helping you move materials and operate a warehouse more efficiently. That skill is a time and money saver for the employer.
- Career Advancement: An OSHA forklift certification is a great addition to a forklift operator’s resume. It elevates their professionalism and they are proud to have this prestigious credential.
Employer Responsibilities
OSHA Forklift Certification and Employers When it comes to OSHA forklift certification, employers are a critical part of the process.
They are tasked to give the needed training, make the work environment safer for forklift operation and foster safety as a value. It is also best practice to provide operators with regular refresher training to keep them up-to-date with the newest safety procedures.
Forklift Safety Resources
The OSHA forklift certification is not only a requirement but is a method to minimize the risk of injury or death while driving forklifts.
When employers invest in training and certifying forklift operators, they are investing in the safety of all employees, protecting important equipment, reducing the chances and risk of fines and protecting against an unsafe work environment.
Safety Counselling provides forklift safety classes monthly. For more information on our upcoming forklift courses, check out our class sign-up page HERE.