Understanding The Basics of Certification For Forklift

Operating a forklift entails performing responsibilities and duties paramount in the contribution of the business success. A high school diploma or GED certificate is required to become a forklift operator. But to be chosen among the myriad pool of applicants, one must stand out from the rest and must possess qualities that can add value to yourself and the business. The key to adding value to yourself as a forklift operator is to secure a forklift certification. You must be raising your brows and wonder what it takes to become a certified forklift operator.

For those eager to earn this credential, you need to tap a reputable institution that offers excellent certification programs in compliance with OSHA laws. The Forklift training academy is the answer to your certification for forklift needs. They have been in the industry for over twenty years. They cater to individuals and companies who want to have an edge in forklift career opportunities by getting themselves forklift certified.

Basically, certification requires a training process in the academy or online lectures and hands-on evaluation. Topics of training courses may include appropriate forklift operation techniques, transporting hazardous materials, safety precautions in the workplace, responses during emergency situations and many more.  The Forklift training academy has two ways of making one forklift certified. First is through in-person training at their academy or on-site training at your location. The training usually takes a day or two depending on the extent of the courses you will enroll in. Meanwhile, the second option of forklift certification is to undergo online certification. But in comparison to actual or in-person training, online certification does not provide a practical demonstration or actual operation of the forklift. The training is relatively quick and not as complicated as you might think. It is the most convenient way of getting certified. You can even complete the entire training in just a few hours.  The following activities are what you can expect from online certification:

• Prepare and arm yourself by reading the OSHA rules and regulations, watch the clips about forklift operations.
• Once armed with basic knowledge in forklift operation, you can take the test online and you’re going to pay the fee for one time only. In case you can’t pass during the first take, no need to worry because you can take the online test for an unlimited number of times without paying again. After all, you may need to fight the battle more than once to win it.
• When you successfully pass the exam, you can then print your forklift certificate from us to your computer.

Why Should I Start Getting Certification For Forklift

For Better Career Opportunities

Your investment in forklift certification can significantly help you land a job. It can widen your career opportunities. The cost that you will pay will certainly outweigh the opportunities you can get.

OSHA Compliance is Vital

Having Certification For Forklift is adherence to OSHA laws. It is indeed vital to comply with the certification requirement to minimize injury, accident and other risk factors in the workplace.

Readiness To Take on The Job

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation and readiness. Undergoing training, exams and hands-on experience can help in getting you ready and prepared so you can carve a niche in the workplace.

Keeps You Confident

Getting certified boosts your confidence in facing people squarely. As it is said, the man who has confidence in himself gains the confidence of others.

Let me leave you here with this quote:  the capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, the willingness to learn is a choice. So, what are you waiting for, don’t just sit there! Start getting forklift certification.

What Are The Training Programs and Requirements To Become A Forklift Driver?

Forklifts drivers are responsible for operating powered industrial trucks that load and unload materials. They are accountable for storing the products in their respective area in the warehouse, transporting and delivering the products safely and in the nick of time. If you happen to hire incompetent forklift drivers, there are risks involved with it. The safety of many can be jeopardized should there be any accidents that would take place which may cause costly damage, personal injury or even death. Hence, it is vital to check if applicants meet the following requirements to become a forklift driver.

Fit to Work

This type of work requires energy and physical strength. Thus, one should be physically fit to carry out the responsibilities at hand. To validate this, one has to undergo medical assessments such as x-ray, urinalysis, blood tests (blood pressure and pulse), vision screening (distance, night, color, visual fields, and double vision), audiometry (hearing test), spirometry (lung test),  musculoskeletal assessment and other medical tests that might be required by companies. Though this is not a legal requirement, compliance and passing the medical assessment is important to ensure that they are fit to work as a forklift driver or operator.

On the Job Training

On the job training provides better learning opportunities to aspiring forklift operators from mentors who have already been in this field for quite some time. Consequently, completing on-the-job training also provides better career opportunities.

Records of Education

Education is a stepping stone in landing career opportunities available. Forklift operators must possess at least a high school diploma or pass the internationally recognized exam such as  General Education Development (GED). The responsibilities of a forklift operator are not only limited to driving jobs, moving and handling. They also need to learn other technical aspects of the job that requires literacy and numerical skills.

Knowledge in English

English proficiency is essential especially to companies that hire foreigners with a different native language. Good communication skills must be developed because there is a need to communicate and coordinate with other team members.

Legal Age Requirement

Companies are mindful of the legal age of workers employed due to Fair Labor Standard Act. The minimum age requirement of forklift drivers should be 18 years old and above. Anyone under this age will have a hard time being employed.

Is Having Clean Driving Record

To be a forklift driver you must have a valid driver’s license. Having a clean driving record will leave a positive impression on employers and will increase the chances of you being hired.

Free from Substance Abuse

Companies prefer applicants who are free from substance abuse. Adhering to abstinence from substance abuse minimizes the possibility of accidents in the workplace. It also helps promote a safe working environment for workers around.

Training Required by OSHA Law

Forklift driving can be considered a high-risk occupation. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 contains a clause that specifies “only trained and authorized operators will be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.” Thus, many employers prefer applicants who have formal compliance with OSHA forklift training. If you’re looking for a reputable one, Forklift Academy Trade School can help you become a certified forklift operator in compliance with OSHA laws.

If you have the qualities mentioned above and the training programs required by OSHA law, you will certainly be an asset to companies who will hire you.

Author Info for Forklift Academy

We are safety professionals with over twenty years experience in the industry. The management team consists of professionals with working experience in 500 Fortune companies across the consumer goods industry with real life experience in a Safety, Health and Environment atmosphere. Our core business is to provide Forklift Certification Training to companies and individuals.