To guard employers and their employees against the hazard and risks associated with operating forklifts, OSHA has set forth its regulations specifically, the CFR 1910.178) standard. All employers whose business involved forklift operations must have their workers trained and certified first prior to commencing work.
To keep up with the present regulation and stay compliant, you can send your workers to training schools to receive their training there or you can designate an internal person as the focal person.
OSHA requires all forklift operators to be adequately trained and properly evaluated. But who can provide and perform forklift training? If you’re thinking that it is OSHA, you’re wrong. OSHA is not in this business.
OSHA is not a certifying or accrediting body. OSHA gives the task and responsibility of training and certification to the employer. The employers are the sole responsible to give the training to their forklift operators.
- Read the related article: How Do I Find Cost Effective Forklift Training for My Forklift Operators
But Who Qualifies to Deliver the Training and Can Anyone Just Do This?
To answer this question, let us state the applicable OSHA regulation for forklift instructors.
OSHA-powered industrial truck regulation for general industry states:
All training and evaluation must be conducted by a person with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competency. This may be the employer, another employee, or another qualified person. The training and evaluation do not have to be conducted by a single individual but can be done by several persons, provided each one is qualified.
Another clause states:
“All training and evaluation must be conducted by persons with the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.”
An example of a qualified trainer would be a person who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or “who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has demonstrated the ability to train and evaluate powered industrial truck operators.”
In short, anyone cannot do forklift training. The trainer should be someone who has proven the ability to deliver the training and has acquired knowledge and experience in forklift operation.
Forklift training can be performed by a variety of organizations and professionals, depending on your location. Here are some common sources:
- Certified Training Centers: There are many professional training centers that specialize in industrial safety and equipment operation. They can provide comprehensive forklift training, often leading to certification. Examples include the National Forklift Foundation in the U.S.
- Occupational Safety Organizations: Organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S., and its counterparts in other countries, often provide training resources, and sometimes actual training, related to operating heavy machinery, including forklifts.
- Industry Associations: Some industry associations provide training to their members as part of their services. This is common in industries where forklift use is widespread, like warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Employers: Employers often provide on-the-job forklift training for their employees. This training should be performed by a qualified person, someone who has the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence. For example, in the U.S., OSHA requires that forklift operators be trained by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence.
- Online Training Providers: Many organizations offer online training for forklift operations. These often include video-based lessons, virtual simulations, and quizzes to test knowledge. This is typically followed by hands-on training and evaluation.
- Technical and Vocational Schools: Some schools and colleges offer training programs for forklift operators. This can often be part of a broader curriculum focused on logistics, warehousing, or industrial safety.
- Internal trainers - If you have an employee who is qualified to deliver the training, he can be appointed as an internal trainer.
Remember, it's crucial to ensure that the trainer or training provider you choose is properly accredited and offers a comprehensive training program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical training. The specific requirements for forklift training can vary by location, so it's important to be familiar with the regulations in your area.
Two Effective Ways to Give Forklift Training to Employees
In order to stay compliant with OSHA, there are two ways to give training to your employees.
- The first way is to talk to an outside training provider. There are many training providers you can get in touch with such the forklift manufacturers, local unions, vocational or trade schools, safety and health consultants, and other professionals who have expertise in forklift safety operations. To find one close to your location, we have lists of schools in every state, just select the state where you are located and take a look, you will find a directory of forklift training schools there.
- The second way is to have an in-house trainer. This is more applicable if you have a large number of forklift operators who need to be trained or refreshed every now and then and if you have many types of heavy equipment. If you have an in-house trainer, training provision would be very convenient and cost-effective for you. On the other hand, if you have a small fleet, it would be better to let the outside provider do training for you.
If you decide on the latter option, you might be wondering who is qualified to become an in-house trainer. Here are some of the professionals who are a good fit for the position.
Who Can Be Appointed as In-House Trainer or Instructor
Who can do the forklift training? To clarify the matter, he could be one of the following:
• A Warehouse leadman/foreman who is tasked to oversee the operation of the forklift operators.
• A supervisor who is responsible for the activity and operation of the forklift trucks in the warehouse.
• Warehouse manager who runs the operation of the warehouse and who is directly in-charged of the many aspects of business operation.
• The Branch Manager who has the same or more responsibilities as the warehouse manager.
• A Safety Officer who is designated to maintain and keep the health and safety of the forklift operators.
• The Owner of the Company who is overall in charge of the business.
• Other people who are deemed to be competent and knowledgeable to handle such a mature position.
These people are a good fit to become a forklift trainers as they express excellent interest in the direct operation of forklifts.
Forklift Training Kits You Can Use to Start Your Own Program
Safety training is one of the investments where you can put your money on. It may seem to take additional time and money but its benefits are long-term. If you have a good safety training program for forklift operators your business will end up successful in the end.
To start your program, you will need a set of training kits your trainer can use to facilitate the training.
Here’s the training kit that you can buy:
This forklift training kit will include all the materials such as DVDs, Powerpoint presentations, mock quizzes, test questionnaires, certificate templates, license cards, and student handouts. The languages are available in both English and Spanish. The certification program meets the OSHA standard.
- Read the related article: Forklift Certification Card: Info to Include in the License Template
Employers and On-The-Job Training
Explanation of the Employer's Role in Providing Forklift Training
Employers play a pivotal role in providing forklift training to their employees. This is especially true in industries such as warehousing, construction, and manufacturing, where forklifts are regularly used. The primary responsibility of employers is to ensure their workforce is skilled, competent, and safe when operating such heavy machinery. Employers must provide both initial trainings for new operators and refresher courses to keep skills current for existing operators.
The Process and Benefits of On-The-Job Training
On-the-job training typically involves a mix of theoretical instruction and practical hands-on experience. This might include classroom sessions, video tutorials, direct instruction from a seasoned operator, and supervised practice with the forklift. Trainees typically learn about the different types of forklifts, the mechanics of their operation, safety procedures, load handling, and daily maintenance tasks.
There are several benefits to this form of training. It is highly practical and directly relevant to the employee's job, often customized to the specific types of forklifts used and the conditions of the workplace. It allows employees to learn by doing, which can lead to better retention of skills and knowledge. Furthermore, because the training is conducted by someone familiar with the particular working environment, it can address the specific risks and procedures of the workplace, making it more relevant and effective.
Legal Requirements for Employers to Provide This Training (like OSHA requirements in the U.S.)
In many countries, employers are legally obligated to provide forklift training to their employees. For example, in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers must train their forklift operators. The training should be conducted by a person who has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence.
OSHA's requirements include both initial training and evaluation for new operators, as well as refresher training and re-evaluation every three years, or after an accident or near miss indicates that an operator needs to be retrained. The training must include formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
By adhering to these requirements, employers not only ensure compliance with the law, but also contribute to a safer, more efficient working environment.
- Read the related article: Why On-Site Forklift Training is Your Best Choice
How is Forklift Training Conducted?
Forklift training is typically conducted in two main stages: theoretical instruction and practical training.
Theoretical Instruction: This part of the training covers the fundamentals of forklift operation, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and relevant regulations. It's usually conducted in a classroom setting and can involve the use of educational materials such as textbooks, manuals, PowerPoint presentations, and videos. Topics may include:
- Basic principles of forklift operation
- Understanding the various controls and instruments
- Procedures for handling loads, including stacking and de-stacking
- Proper inspection and maintenance of the equipment
- Understanding the center of gravity and stability triangle
- Safety regulations and procedures
Practical Training: This is the hands-on part of the training, where trainees get to operate a forklift under the supervision of a qualified instructor. This part of the training is crucial because it allows trainees to apply the theoretical knowledge they've learned in a controlled, safe environment. Practical training includes:
- Operating the forklift with and without a load
- Maneuvering in various conditions and environments
- Handling loads, including picking up, transporting, and depositing
- Performing routine maintenance and safety checks
After both stages of the training are completed, trainees typically undergo an evaluation to assess their knowledge and skills. This evaluation often includes both a written test and a practical demonstration of forklift operation. Successful trainees receive a certification that validates their competence in operating a forklift safely.
It's important to note that forklift training should be specific to the type of forklift and the working conditions that the operator will encounter on the job. Different types of forklifts may have different operating characteristics and controls, and operating conditions can vary widely, such as indoor versus outdoor operation, types of loads, and specific hazards in the workplace.
Remember that training needs to be refreshed periodically to ensure that operators maintain their skills and keep up to date with any changes in safety regulations or equipment technology. In many countries, such refresher training is required by law at specified intervals or under certain conditions, such as if the operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
To Sum This Up
As we have explored in this article, forklift training can be effectively provided by a diverse range of entities, each with its unique advantages. From certified training centers and occupational safety organizations to industry associations, employers, online training providers, and technical or vocational schools, all play a vital role in equipping forklift operators with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and efficiently.
Employers play a particularly pivotal role in this process, offering practical on-the-job training that helps operators apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Meanwhile, online training providers and technical schools offer flexible, comprehensive educational experiences for aspiring forklift operators.
Legal regulations, such as those set by OSHA in the U.S., underscore the crucial importance of proper forklift training. Employers are required to ensure their forklift operators are adequately trained, and operators must be retrained and evaluated periodically to ensure they maintain their skills and adapt to any changes in equipment or workplace conditions.
The key takeaway is that high-quality forklift training is essential to ensuring safety in the workplace, and it's crucial to choose a training provider that is reputable, accredited, and fits the individual needs of the operator. As we continue to strive for safer, more efficient workplaces, the role of comprehensive forklift training cannot be overstated. The variety of training options available today means that everyone involved in forklift operation should be able to access the education they need to operate these machines safely and effectively.
