Did you know that forklift operators must be certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)? Certification not only protects your employees and your business, but it can also lead to increased productivity and reduced workplace accidents.
When your employees get OSHA Fork lyft training and receive certification, they will have a license valid for three years. So, it will need renewal every three years. It is also vital to note that certification is not a one-time thing. They will need to take refresher courses and stay up-to-date on forklift operations and practices.
What is the role of the forklift operator?
Operators are responsible for the day-to-day tasks, such as loading and unloading trucks, moving materials around a warehouse, and operating the forklift. They must know how to safely and efficiently move materials without damaging them or putting themselves or others in danger.
To get a certified operator for your company, they must complete an OSHA-approved fork lyft training course. Manufacturers, third-party training providers, and some employers typically offer these courses. These courses can cost you from $50 to $400, depending on the provider and the length of the course.
You can easily find some great academies online which will help your employees to get certified according to OSHA standards.
The benefits of forklift certification:
- Fewer accidents
According to reports from Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately 85 deaths and 34,900 injuries occur annually in the US due to forklift accidents.
Accidents can happen for various reasons, but often they are due to operator error. Forklifts are heavy machinery; if not operated correctly, they can be dangerous. A trained and certified operator is less likely to have an accident because they understand the risks and how to avoid them.
- Improved productivity
Forklifts are essential equipment in many businesses, but they can also be a significant source of downtime. If it is not operating correctly, it can cause production delays. It can be costly for a business in terms of money and time.
A certified operator is more likely to be able to troubleshoot and fix problems with the forklift, which can help keep it running smoothly and avoid costly delays.
- Decreased liability
The business could be liable if an employee is involved in an accident while operating a forklift. It is especially true if the operator was not properly trained or certified.
By having certified operators, businesses can show that they took the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
- Better morale
Employees who are adequately trained and certified often feel pride in their work. It can lead to improved morale and a more positive work environment.
In addition, employees who feel comfortable and confident operating the machinery are less likely to be injured, which can also improve morale.
To get your employees certified, you should know a few things.
The operator training program is for those operating the forklifts, while the instructor is for those teaching others how to work them. There are also different kinds of the certification programs for operators, depending on the type of trucks being operated. The most common are sit-down counterbalanced, stand-up counterbalanced, and order picker.
You must find a training program approved by the OSHA to get your employees certified. Once you have found a program, you must register your employees and pay the associated fees.