Will Forklift Certification Help Me Get a Better Job or Higher Pay?
Did you know that the average forklift operator salary ranges from $35K to $50K? Want to learn how getting forklift certified can help open more job opportunities and ensure job safety? Keep reading to learn how these simple steps can change your life.
What Does Forklift Certification Mean?
Forklift certification refers to the certification proof that all lift truck drivers must have to operate equipment safely and properly. Forklift certification is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for all operators of forklifts.
It is set up to help regulate safe working conditions for employees and decrease the chances of sustaining on-the-job injuries.
These standards ensure all operators complete an evaluation that covers the necessary safety training topics to safely drive a forklift without injuring themselves or others.
Benefits of Forklift Certification
Forklift certification can help increase job safety, decrease the chance of sustaining job-related injuries, and help employers follow legal compliance. Not only will forklift certifications help with the safety of you and your coworkers, but it can also help you obtain more job opportunities and make you more money.
Legal Compliance
All Forklift drivers should follow safety laws and OSHA standards. Safety laws help keep everyone who comes into contact with heavy machinery safe.
Obtaining your forklift certification not only shows employers that you know how to safely operate heavy equipment but it’s also the law. OSHA requires all operators to have proof of competency which must be renewed every three years.
Legal compliance can help protect your employees from sustaining job-related injuries as well as help prevent your business from going broke from OSHA fines.
It also helps to keep your company’s insurance premium low and provides your employee with workman’s compensation should they get hurt on the job. By following these simple rules, you are showing your employer you value keeping the workplace safe.
Helps Increase Job Safety
Did you know by simply getting forklift certified you can help increase job safety? When operating heavy machinery like a forklift it’s important to know what you’re doing to prevent yourself and others from getting hurt.
Once you become certified you and your employer can rest easily knowing you have the skills and knowledge to work around heavy machinery.
Forklift certification ensures all operators know how to properly drive a forklift by teaching you how to safely operate a lift truck.
Companies take pride in setting standards when it comes to job safety and safety engagement. That is why most certification courses focus on hands-on training to help prevent work-related injuries.
Operators are taught the importance of doing a pre-operation inspection to ensure all trucks are functioning properly before their shift starts.
Forklift operators are also trained on other safety precautions such lifting techniques and watching your speed to prevent the forklift from tipping over.
Not only will certification help you follow OSHA’s legal compliance, but it can also save you money by preventing unnecessary insurance claims due to employee injury.
Help You Gain More Job Opportunities
When searching for a job, having a forklift certification can help you gain more job opportunities. Employers look for individuals who already have their certification because not only does it help them save time, but it shows that you value job safety.
When obtaining your certification, you are proving to your employer you care about following OSHA standards.
Since there are so many different industries that utilize the use of forklifts you’ll have your pick at what job you want to work.
From working at a warehouse to a construction site, there are various opportunities for you to choose from. Having a certification can also set you apart from other applicants and allow you to get hired quicker.
Forklift operators can obtain jobs just about anywhere since their skills are transferable. Not only will you have an advantage over other applicants but once you obtain your certification, you’ll have an opportunity to pick what job best fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a temp worker position or a full-time job, there are many positions to choose from that will meet your needs.
Helps You Make More Money
Now that you know becoming forklift certified can help you gain more job opportunities, let’s discuss how it can help you make more money. The average forklift operator salary ranges from $35K to $50K.
Operators who obtain their certification from an OSHA approved course tend to make the higher salary. This is because once you are certified the employer knows you will provide them with safe and efficient operations.
Forklift certifications don’t just help you make more money when you first become certified. Becoming certified can also help you obtain a promotion.
Requirements
Requirements to become forklift certified include training requirements and understanding OSHA standards.
Training Requirements
If you would like to become forklift certified, you will have to complete the required training that teaches you how to operate a forklift. At Safety Counselling our training is provided in-person.
Forklift Training will provide you with hands-on training with the vehicle. All of our programs can be completed in 1-2 days. Our courses not only give you formal training on how to forklift but also include a practical application.
OSHA Standards
Now we’ve discussed the training requirements to become forklift certified. Let’s talk about the importance of OSHA standards.
As stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, all forklift operators must be certified. This is set in place to ensure all operators know how to safely drive a forklift.
OSHA standards help keep employees safe when operating heavy machinery. OSHA goes on to state that all certifications must be renewed every three years.
By following these standards, you are not only setting the trend by following OSHA’s legal compliance but you are helping to prevent your employees from sustaining job-related injuries.
Not only will this help you save money by preventing workers compensation claims but it can also prevent your business from going bankrupt by paying OTSS fines.
How to Become Forklift Certified
To become forklift certified, you must take the time to enroll in a course and meet the experience requirements. After meeting these requirements, you will be ready to take your certification exam.
Enrolling on an Accredited Course
The first step to becoming forklift certified is by enrolling in an accredited course. When looking for the right course for you, make sure the institution is accredited.
Safety Counselling is an accredited institution that offers their forklift training courses onsite in person at their training facility located in Albuquerque, NM.
Meeting the Experience Requirements
After enrolling in an accredited course, you will now have to meet the experience requirements.
To be eligible to take your certification exam you must be 18 years or older and have experience driving a forklift.
Experience is key when learning how to forklift because not only are you preparing for the practical portion of your exam, but you also want to make sure you know how to properly operate these vehicles.
Gaining experience will allow you to work efficiently on the job and help you prevent costly repairs due to not knowing how to properly maintain your truck.
Passed the Certification Exam
You will need to pass your certification exam with a score of 75% to 80%. The exam will most likely be a multiple-choice test or a combination of multiple choice with written answers.
If you do not pass on your first, try you will be required to retake the exam. After you’ve passed your exam, your card will display your name and the date you completed your training.
Safety Counselling – Your Certification Experts
Safety Counselling has provided OSHA compliant forklift certification for over 50 years. Our forklift training courses are taught in-person and can accommodate your busy schedule.
Contact us today to learn more about our certification course or to schedule your training session.
Renewing Your Forklift Certification
It’s important to remember to renew your forklift certification because of legal reasons and safety. All forklift certifications expire every three years!
The Importance of Forklift Certification Training
Forklift certification is important and every employee who wants to operate a forklift should become certified. Receiving your forklift certification not only shows your employer you can safely drive a forklift, but it can also help you obtain more job opportunities and increase your earning potential.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been operating forklifts for years make sure you’re forklift certified by Safety Counselling.
Conclusion
Don’t have a forklift certification? Get trained today and change your life. Becoming forklift certified can provide you with many benefits such as job safety, follow legal compliance, and even help you get more jobs.
Not only does being certified show employers, you can safely drive a lift truck but it can also allow you to make more money than the average forklift driver. Take your career to the next level by becoming forklift certified today!
FAQs
1. How long will it take to become certified to operate a Forklift?
Safety Counselling offers courses that can be completed within 1-2 days. We provide hands-on training with all of our courses.
2. Why should I get forklift certified?
Being forklift certified can help you obtain more job opportunities and help you become more money!
3. Is it difficult to become certified to operate a Forklift?
Every person has the ability to learn how to forklift. The training we provide will help give you the tools you need to pass your certification exam.
4. Where can I get Forklift certified?
You can get certified at Safety Counselling Forklift Training located in Albuquerque, NM.
5. Will I need to take a test to become Forklift certified?
Yes, after completing your training you will be required to take a certification exam.
6. Does Safety Counselling have specific hours for Forklift Training?
Yes! We offer courses in the morning and afternoon to better fit your schedule. Call us today to learn more at 505-881-1112!