Forklift Training and Certification

by Woody Schuldt

Overview

Forklifts--vehicles used to lift and carry heavy loads--are common sights in a variety of industries such as retail and shipping. Employers generally provide training and certify their employees for forklift usage. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the certification process by insisting upon minimum training standards but leaving the bulk of the certification process up to employers. The exact process varies among employers, but several general rules remain consistent.
Age

An employee must be at least 18 years of age before being certified to operate a forklift.

Training Requirements

Training programs must include both formal and practical education. The formal sections include lectures and videos, while practical training involves observation and the supervised use of a forklift.
Topics

Formal training should cover topics such as forklift safety, the types of vehicles and the limitations of a forklift.
Employer's Discretion

Employers are only required to share safety information relevant to their workplace. After the training has been completed, an employer can use discretion to certify or deny certification to a worker.
Recertification

Forklift certifications must be renewed every three years and after accidents or near misses.

Overview