There’s a general belief that only men can do the hard work. Typically in a warehouse, it is the men who do the heavy lifting and complete the job at hand. Forklifts are always driven by men. It is male-dominated field. It is rare to see women driving this truck.
But can woman become a forklift operator? Can she do the job as effective as he?
Let’s just put this on record that the current OSHA standards or any other regulations and laws in other countries don’t discriminate women in the in this domain. In fact, you can’t find a single rule that only men can become forklift operator. You can become a forklift operator if you’re a woman.
The demand for qualified individuals who can operate forklifts will continue to climb in the next coming years. Women should not lose this opportunity. Women can be as effective as men doing this job.
Here some examples success stories of women doing this profession.
Women Who Succeeded on this Profession
- Lita Safriana, a female forklift operator at Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper's manufacturing complex in Pangkalan Kerinci in Pelalawan, Riau in Sumatra, Indonesia, proved women’s pride and promoted gender equality in the world commonly dominated by men. Follow this page to read her story.
- Daphney Aopo, Glenda Iruna, Margaret Peter, Norah Rau, Patrisa Leva and Pauline Nou are successful women in this field. They’re the first 5 female forklift operators in CPL Group, a supply chain company in Papua New Guinea. These women proved that if you educate female drivers, the company tends to have better efficiency. For their story, read this page.
- Bhawana Thapaliya is called as the first female driver of Nepal. She gained her experience as material handler by working in WFP Nepal’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Team when the country was hit a strong earthquake back in 2015. To see her full story, follow this page.
How to Become Forklift Certified
You need to be certified first to operate this machine. Getting the certification is not complicated. The process is usually quick and easy especially if you have had the training in the past.
Though it will take a little time, about a day or two to complete the training and you need spend a small investment about $100 to $250, depending on the type of truck you want to get certified, the advantage of having such credential outweighs your investment.
To get certified, here’s what you need to do:
- Enrollment in the training - To become a certified forklift operator typically requires you to attend a course. You can take the course by enrolling at the training school nearest your location. The type of forklift you want to have training on should match with the curriculum the school offers.
- Attending the classroom training – this is the first part of the course. At the classroom training, you will learn theoretical aspects such as the current and prevailing rules and regulations, general workplace safety issues, understanding visibility restrictions, right of way, pedestrian safety, fundamentals of forklift controls, knowing the equipment load capacity, fulcrum and stability, and many other topics may be deemed necessary for the type of forklift you are getting training on.
- Taking and passing the written test – as part of any certification process, you have to undergo this part to measure the theoretical knowledge you have obtained from the classroom training. The questionnaire is typically consist of multiple choice questions and the number of items will depend on the training school, but usually the questionnaire is consist of 100 questions. You have to have 75%, at least, to pass the written test. (The passing rate will depend on the standard of the school).
- Taking the practical training or the hands-on driving – When you are successful passing the written test, you will then proceed to taking the practical driving. At this part of the training course, you will operate the forklift under the supervision of the instructor. You will familiarize yourself with the operational controls, movement of the truck, loading and unloading of materials, stacking of goods, working with elevated forks, signaling and turning, stopping at the intersection, application of general safety issues and company safety protocols, traveling or transporting the loads, proper parking, and other topics necessary for the practical training.
- Getting Assessed and Evaluated – Now that you have finished taking the practical training, you will proceed to getting the performance assessment. This is where you get certified. The instructor will give a set of tasks you have to complete. Don’t you worry, the tasks you’ve done in the practical training is almost practically the same with the assessment. Make the instructor happy with your performance, you will be guaranteed to receiving your certificate.
At the end of the training course, successful students will receive their certificate of completion of training and operator card. The operator card is what they referred to as the license.
In other country such as Australia, forklift operation is considered as a high risk work; therefore, a stricter process applies when getting a license. Aside from the initial training you have had, you need to apply and submit the requirements to government before you can be issued with a license, high-risk work (HRW) license is what they referred to it.
The Salary You Might Be Getting
There is no reason why a woman cannot become a forklift operator. The main requirements for the job are the ability to operate the machinery and to lift and move heavy objects. There are no physical strength requirements that would preclude a woman from performing the job. In fact, many women are already employed as forklift operators.
The average salary for a forklift operator is $40,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience and location. Some forklift operators may earn less than $36,000 per year, while others may earn more than $46,000 per year.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Rule
There is no federal or state law that prohibits women from becoming forklift operators. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has ruled that sex discrimination in the hiring of forklift operators is illegal. The EEOC has also ruled that forklift operator certification must be based on ability, not sex. Therefore, women can become forklift operators if they have the necessary skills and training.
Woman can become forklift operators! In fact, many women are already forklift operators. With the help of proper training and certification, any woman can enter this field and find success.
Forklift operators play an important role in many businesses, including manufacturing, construction, and warehousing. They are responsible for moving heavy materials and equipment around a worksite or warehouse.
Operating a forklift requires physical strength, coordination, and stamina. It also requires good communication skills, as operators must be able to give and receive instructions from others.
With the right skills and training, there is no reason why a woman cannot be a successful forklift operator.
What You Can Do To Get a Job
In theory, any person—regardless of gender—can become a forklift operator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn't have any regulations that prohibit women from operating forklifts. However, in practice, forklift operation can be a physically demanding job, which may present some challenges for women.
Here are some tips for women who are interested in becoming forklift operators:
- Get training and certification. OSHA requires that all forklift operators be properly trained and certified. There are many forklift training programs available, and many employers will provide on-the-job training.
- Be aware of the physical demands of the job. Forklift operation requires repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting. It can also be physically demanding in other ways, such as when operating in tight spaces or when making quick movements. If you have any concerns about your ability to physically handle the demands of the job, be sure to discuss them with your employer or training program instructor.
- Choose the right forklift for the job. There are many different types of forklifts, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you'll be doing a lot of lifting, you'll want a forklift with good lifting capacity. If you'll be operating in tight spaces, you'll want a smaller, more maneuverable forklift. Talk to your employer or training program instructor about which type of forklift would be best for you.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Forklifts can be dangerous, and it's important to always be aware of your surroundings when operating one. Pay attention to where other people and objects are, and be sure to use caution when backing up or making turns.
- Follow all safety rules. OSHA has strict safety rules for forklift operation, and it's important to always follow them. Be sure to wear the proper safety gear, such as a seatbelt, and never operate a forklift while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
With proper training and caution, there's no reason why a woman can't be a successful forklift operator.
Taking the Training
Forklift operator training is essential for anyone who wants to become a forklift operator. There are many different types of forklifts, and each type requires specific training. Many companies offer forklift operator training, but it is important to choose a company that is reputable and has a good track record.
Forklift operator training typically lasts for a day or two, and during this time, trainees will learn how to operate a forklift safely and efficiently. They will also learn how to perform various tasks, such as loading and unloading trucks, and how to safely transport materials. After completing forklift operator training, individuals will be able to take a certification test.
There are many advantages to becoming a certified forklift operator. For one, it can lead to better job opportunities. Certified forklift operators are in high demand, and they often earn higher salaries than non-certified operators. In addition, becoming a certified forklift operator can help individuals advance their careers.
So, if you’re interested in becoming a forklift operator, be sure to undergo proper training from a reputable company. With the right training, you can become a certified forklift operator and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
The Operator Jobs
There are many jobs in the world that are typically thought of as being male-oriented. One of these is the job of a forklift operator. Can women become forklift operators? Yes, women can become forklift operators. With the right training and certification, women can enter this field and be successful.
Forklift operators are responsible for operating and controlling a forklift in order to move materials around a warehouse or other facility. This job requires precision and focus, as well as the ability to lift heavy objects and move them around safely.
While forklift operator jobs have traditionally been filled by men, there is no reason why women cannot be successful in this role. With the right training and certification, women can enter the field of forklift operation and excel. If you are a woman interested in becoming a forklift operator, be sure to research the training and certification requirements in your area. With the proper preparation, you can enter this field and be successful.
Women are Doing Well in the Industry
Although there are no federal laws mandating gender diversity in the workplace, more and more businesses are recognizing the value of having a workforce that reflects the demographics of their customer base. As such, an increasing number of women are being hired for positions that have traditionally been filled by men, including forklift operator.
A forklift operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the forklift, as well as the loading and unloading of materials. Forklift operators must have a strong understanding of the equipment and its capabilities, as well as the ability to read and interpret load charts. They must also be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and be able to communicate clearly with other members of the team.
While there is no physical reason why a woman could not be a forklift operator, there are some who feel that the job is too physically demanding for most women. However, there are a number of women who are successfully employed as forklift operators and who have the necessary strength and stamina for the job. With the right training and support, there is no reason why a woman could not be a successful forklift operator.
Hazards While on the Job
Forklift operators are constantly exposed to the dangers of being struck by the forks or other parts of the lift, being caught in between the lift and a wall or other piece of equipment, or being pinned underneath a load that falls off the forks. They are also at risk of being hit by a moving forklift, being electrocuted if they come into contact with overhead power lines, or suffering serious burns if the forklift overturns and catches fire. In addition, forklifts can tip over if they are overloaded or if they are driven too fast around corners.
You Need to Have the Right skills
There are many skills that a forklift operator needs in order to be successful. First, a forklift operator must be able to operate the forklift itself. This includes knowing how to start and stop the forklift, how to move it forward and backward, and how to raise and lower the forks. Second, a forklift operator must be able to load and unload the forklift. This includes knowing how to place the forks under the load and how to secure the load so that it does not fall off of the forks. Third, a forklift operator must be able to stack and unstack the load. This includes knowing how to place the load on the forks so that it is level and how to secure the load so that it does not topple over. Fourth, a forklift operator must be able to communicate with other members of the forklift team. This includes knowing how to use hand signals and how to radio in the event of an emergency.
Forklift Operator Safety
Forklift operators are responsible for the safety of themselves and those around them. There are many potential hazards associated with the job, including being struck by the forklift, being crushed by the forks, or being caught in between the forks. In order to minimize the risks, forklift operators must be properly trained and follow all safety protocols.
Women can absolutely become forklift operators. In fact, many women are already employed in this role. The key to success is to receive the proper training and to always follow safety procedures. With the right precautions in place, women can be just as successful and safe as men in this career.
To Make a Conclusion
People used to believe this is a work only for men. The forklift driving profession is usually perceived as for man. We have a general perception that the material handling and logistics industries are man’s world. It is uncommon to see women doing this work.
But not anymore, forklift truck diving can also be done by women and they can be as efficient and effective as the men.
If you have a plan to make this as your profession, definitely a woman can become a forklift operator.
