Forklift licenses are important to have because not only do they help with the safety of your staff, but they also provide confidence for the staff members operating the forklifts.
Forklifts aren’t small machinery by any means, which is why it’s important to explore the option of a forklift license, especially if some of your employees are lacking up-to-date licenses.
What forklift certification actually involves
A forklift certification involves completing an employer-provided training and evaluation. This is according to the guidance set out by OSHA. Demonstrating a safe operation of specific forklift types, the process usually involves classroom-style learning.
An understanding of equipment-specific safety and a hands-on practical evaluation in the workplace is crucial for keeping employees protected. As employers, it’s a legal requirement to certify operations.
How the online course process works
When taking on a forklift certification course online, it’s good to know what to expect. Here’s the online course process and how it typically works:
- Choose an online training provider
It’s important that you’re picking out a company that provides both online theoretical training as well as in-person training where possible. That will ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, too.
- Complete theoretical training
The theoretical training is something that can be done with online educational materials. From videos to written guides, there’s a lot that you can learn from online resources and training materials. From the forklift operation itself to the safety and workplace hazards that are often present.
- Pass the written exam
Next, you’ll want to make sure you pass the written exam. This is often in the form of online multiple-choice tests and can help to demonstrate your understanding of the theoretical content you’ve learned.
- Participate in hands-on training
You’ll then be required to conduct practical training, and a final performance evaluation is usually done at your worksite. This is where you’ll demonstrate your ability to operate the forklift safely.
- Receive your certification
After you’ve done all of the above, you’ll then have the official certificate, which certifies your qualification to operate a forklift.
It’s a simple enough process, but one to be well aware of so that you know exactly what you’re going to need to do during the course in its entirety.
Common mistakes to avoid along the way
Some common mistakes can happen when it comes to forklifts and the dangers they present in the workplace. These include:
- Failing pre-use inspections
- Improper load handling
- Exceeding load capacity
- Ignoring blind spots
- Poor visibility due to load height
- Not using proper parking procedures
These are all common mistakes that can be avoided by getting the right certification and training online. By getting the right training and certification required, you’ll be able to operate it without too many mistakes made along the way.
Forklift licenses are important to acquire, so with that being said, make sure you do everything possible to get one for yourself. Nowadays, you can’t avoid the health and safety requirements needed within a workplace when operating such dangerous machinery.
