It is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift — also for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified.
OSHA Forklift Operator Safety Certification Training
(29 CFR1910.178(l))
Lift trucks, which include fork lifts and motorized hand trucks, are powerful machines that help us move heavy materials more quickly and efficiently, but this also makes these vehicles potentially dangerous to operate.
Second only to highway accidents, lift truck (forklift) accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities in industry. Injuries occur when lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks and unsecured trailers, and when persons are struck by a lift truck or fall off elevated pallets or tines.
This training program uses audio and video to illustrate the potential dangers associated with lift truck operations; their unique handling characteristics; and safe driving, loading and unloading techniques.
Also addressed is the importance of regular inspections and proper maintenance of lift trucks, fork lifts and motorized hand carts, and safe work practices for refueling or recharging.
In addition to our online training, a driver performance evaluation is required by the OSHA for all persons who will operate lift trucks, fork lifts, powered industrial trucks, and motorized hand trucks.
At least every three years employers must certify that each operator has received the required training and is competent to operate a lift truck.
Re-training and re-evaluation is also required if any of the following has occured:
- The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner;
- The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident;
- The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely;
- The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or
- A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck.
Upon successful completion of our OSHA Lift Truck Operator Safety course each student will have access to a printable certificate and wallet card.
This online forklift training certification course satisfies the general classroom portion of the OSHA lift truck operator compliance training program outlined in (29 CFR 1910.178(l)).
