The United States (US) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) develops and enforces safety standards to protect employees in the workplace. One of the areas that OSHA regulates is forklift operation, which OSHA refers to as powered industrial truck operation. By law, all employers in the US must train and certify workers who will use a forklift on the job. You can find OSHA forklift training through your employer, as well as through many other public and private organizations.
OSHA doesn't provide any training programs of its own. Instead, it requires employers to take the responsibility for training and certifying employees. According to OSHA, workers must be trained, tested, and certified on basic operation and safety before using a forklift.
Due to the stringent OSHA requirements, many employers are willing to provide workers with OSHA forklift training. You can inquire when applying for a job whether the company is willing to train workers. On-the-job training may entail individual or group instruction, which must be followed by a test of some sort. OSHA allows companies to use performance, oral, or written tests when certifying workers on OSHA forklift training.
People who wish to improve their job prospects may pursue OSHA forklift training on their own, rather than through an employer. One way to do this is through a forklift manufacturer, or even a retailer that sells or rents these machines. Trade organizations and unions also offer this type of training. You can also turn to private companies that specialize in safety training. These safety consultants offer both online and classroom training and certification.
When pursuing OSHA forklift training, it's important to understand the training requirements in your area. The US government allows states to create their own OSHA programs as an alternative to the federal program. Roughly half of the states have implemented their own OSHA program, which may have forklift training requirements that differ from the federal standards. Check with your state labor department before signing up for a training program to ensure you understand the requirements in your area.
In addition to increasing your chances of finding a job, OSHA forklift training can also help you stay safe in the workplace. Many US workers are injured each year when they drive a forklift off a loading dock, or into another structure. For employers, OSHA forklift training can reduce insurance premiums and cut the risk of property damage or lost time due to injuries.
