Instead, workers who use a forklift as part of their everyday work must get a license. Otherwise, these workers are illegally operating a lift, putting themselves and others in danger. Operating a forklift without a license can increase the risk of lift accidents. Even a single accident can cause serious injury or death. It can also result in costly penalties for an employer. There is no guaranteed solution to stop forklift accidents.
But, requiring workers to get a forklift license can minimize the risk of accidents. Since workers are required to complete safety training to earn their license, they can learn how to identify and address forklift dangers before they get out of hand.
Plus, they can use what they learn to contribute to a safe work environment. Yes — a forklift license is absolutely required to operate a forklift. But how do you get a forklift license? A forklift license is obtained through your training source. Our training ensures your workers can earn OSHA certification to legally operate any of the following classes of forklifts:. After a worker completes our training, he or she can print their forklift license right away — there is no need to wait for official documentation to arrive in the mail.
The cost to get a license to operate a forklift varies. At CertifyMe. Not necessarily. In some instances, businesses offer forklift certification training as part of their onboarding process. Or, there may be times when someone has a valid forklift license before he or she joins a company. Regardless of industry, a forklift operator must possess a valid license to use a lift at any worksite in the United States.
Our certification training program is available online , so your workers can access our learning materials at their convenience. A forklift operator license confirms an operator can legally use a lift at any jobsite in the United States. A forklift operator license works the same way in every state. And OSHA does not require operators to get re-certified if they move to a new state or work in different states.
Your business is responsible for ensuring all workers are safe, at all times. In it, we show examples of trucks that fall under the different classes. Now that we've covered what you'll learn, let's discuss how you can ace the final exam when it comes time. And just like with any test, there are some best practices you should observe to maximize your chances of passing:.
Plus, you can take the test as many times as you need until you get a perfect score! You may have already done the research and decided that you definitely want to be a forklift driver. According to Indeed. While the job duties above are pretty typical for forklift operators everywhere, the actual working conditions can vary greatly. Depending on where you get a job, you may be working indoors, outdoors, or even a combination of both.
Warehouses, for instance, will mostly involve indoor work. But lumber yards will be mostly outdoors, with some indoor work sprinkled in throughout your shift. Depending on where you get hired, you might be driving forklifts indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both.
You may also be exposed to environmental hazards, like extreme heat foundries , cold cold storage and food processing plants , or even noxious fumes and corrosive substances chemical plants. Sometimes you'll have to move products by hand that are too small to be manipulated by your truck.
Other times, you may have to climb ladders, manually move pallets, or stretch-wrap materials for shipping. In fact, some operators report that they don't even leave their seat all day! Because driving a forklift means making lots of turns and driving in reverse. Especially their necks and heads. And those kinds of movements, combined with vibrations and other aspects of forklift operation, can cause some health problems.
It requires being alert at all times. And one careless move can result in tragedy very quickly. So it's crucial that you're always aware of your surroundings. That's the only way to avoid injuring yourself and pedestrians, or damaging property, equipment, and product.
And speaking of injury, you should be aware of all the risks to your own health. You can be crushed, fall off the lift, be hit by another driver, or suffer carbon monoxide poisoning, among other health risks for lift truck operators. Starting a career as a forklift operator can be a great way to bump up your wage. Especially if you're transitioning from traditionally lower-paying jobs, like fast food and retail.
In recent years, companies have come to realize that there simply aren't as many lift truck operators as they need to meet demand. The result is that they've had to pay more to hire and retain drivers. According to the most recent estimates from the U. Forklift operators in the U. But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. Besides for wage, things like health care coverage, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation should also play a role in your decision.
You can see a much more detailed analysis of forklift operator compensation and benefits, based on what real operators report, by visiting Indeed. Additionally, some employers require that you have a high school diploma or GED. If you fall into the latter category, check out GED.
That's because some order pickers can be raised up to 30' or more in the air! If you'll be operating a forklift like this order picker, be sure you're not afraid of heights! For instance, some warehousing jobs require you to pick and pack orders for shipping, stock shelves, manage inventory, etc.
So the employer might require more advanced computer skills than they would for a strict forklift driving job. That about covers the basics. But another way to look at the question is whether or not your prospective employer will want you to have forklift training before they hire you. It shows that you care.
But there are others who will hire and train candidates without any experience whatsoever. Now that you understand the job requirements, the next steps are the same as they are for any other kind of job. Well, an easy way to find them is by checking online. Simply use their search feature and type in "forklift operator" or "forklift driver" and see what comes up.
Search for "forklift operator" or "forklift driver" on a job search website to find opportunities. These companies will do the job search on your behalf, which takes a lot of the pressure off of you. Many will even help you put together a resume or check your existing one over for improvements. You can also ask around. Do you have friends or family who work at companies that use forklifts? See if they'd be willing to put you in touch with the hiring department - and maybe even give you a recommendation!
Once you've got your choice of companies narrowed down, it's time to hit the "Send" or "Submit" button and apply for the job! After that, it's just a matter of acing the interview.
And here's an excellent resource on interview tips to help you land the job. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Feel free to contact us the old fashioned way. Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer 0 items in quote No products in the Quote Basket.
What do I need to study? How do I get certified? Table of Contents. The first step in pursuing your forklift license is to understand what's required to get it. So here it is, put simply. Formal instruction. Basically, any training program should cover: How to operate the different types of truck the operator will be using instructions, safety precautions, limitations, etc. Hands-on training and evaluation.
A few more words on this last requirement There's a lot of confusion over licenses and certifications for forklift operators. What Is a Forklift Certification Card? Example of a forklift license. Do you need a driver's license to operate a forklift? So, a bad driving record will not prevent you from getting your forklift license. What is the penalty for driving a forklift without a license? What Should I Do? Uh oh. Now whaddya do?
Where to Get Replacement Cards. We get it! Forklift Certification Wallet Card Templates. Download Excel Version. Forklift Certificate of Completion Templates. Download PDF Version. Want Something a Little More… Professional?
Your two basic options for forklift training classes are: Online In-person But which one is right for you? Meet the Author with Robert J. De Boer. Safety Talks 18 - Heat Stress Preparedness. The Dangers of Gas in a Confined Space. Preventing Burst Pipes in Aging Buildings. Here's Why It Should Be. Hiring Contractors? Addressing Mental Illness and Workplace Safety. Risk Takers Wanted.
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