In Rhode Island, getting your much-needed forklift certification can increase your probability of getting accepted for the job. It also can lead to a higher salary and position promotion. The certification can also unlock long-lasting employment opportunities. According to BLS, RI is one of the states that provide better pay, a forklift operator can expect a good salary.
If you are lost and do not know where to start, then this article discusses steps and details to help and guide you acquire your forklift certification.
How Can You Get Forklift Certification
If you’re seeking forklift certification to add to your credentials in your CV, then you can follow these steps to obtain your certification.
- Specify what forklift truck you are intending to operate. OSHA states that training must be specific to the type of machine the trainees will be driving.
- Enroll for the course at the school. The cost of a 2-day course is ranging from $100 - $200. I strongly suggest NOT to enroll in an online training course because this method cannot provide you much-needed skills and proficiency. We've provided you some of forklift training providers in Rhode Island, please refer below.
- Attend the classroom theoretical training. This is the first part of the course that lasts 4-6 hours. At this part, the trainer will educate trainees about basic truck controls, driving fundamentals, pre-operational assessment, truck weight limitation, material load computation, pedestrian signs, OSHA rulings, Rhode Island law, safety awareness and cultures, accident video presentation, refueling and recharging procedure, and other topics.
- Pass the written test. The questionnaire commonly consists of 30 questions. You must answer correctly at 75% of those to pass.
- Attend the trainer’s practical training and evaluation. In this part, you must employ all your knowledge learned from the written test and classroom lectures in order to be eligible for certification. The trainer will give you set of instructions that you need to accomplish. Instruction includes: starting up, maneuvering, loading, stacking, moving of items from one place to the next, pallet arrangement, lifting of materials to height, refueling/recharging, driving in different road surfaces, post-operation check, correct parking.
- If you accomplished all the assigned tasks, the trainer will make your recommendation.
- The trainer/school will print out your forklift certification and license card. The certification indicates details of the training: name of the trainee, date of training, expiration date, trainer’s name, forklift class.
- The forklift certification is valid for three years.
Certification can also be obtained through company-sponsored training on-site. The company will assign or hire a professional trainer to conduct the course. The program should follow OSHA legislation 29 CFR 1910.178.
Forklift Training Schools in Rhode Island That Give Certification
- New England Lift Truck Corporation, Inc. - 131 Comstock Parkway, Cranston, RI 02921, 401-946-2296
- M&G Materials Handling - 860 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI 02914, Phone: (800) 888-7051
- United Rentals - 360 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917, 401-233-1300
- The Beacon Mutual Insurance Company - One Beacon Centre, Warwick, RI 02886-1378, Phone: 401-825-2667, Toll free: 888-886-4450
- US Forklift Operator Certification – serves all states, (866) 556-USFC (8732)
- American Aerial Equipment - One Fields Point Drive, Providence, 855-619-LIFT
- Abel Womack - They have office in RI, call (888) 610-5629
- AP Crane Training - Phone:(888) 501-1355
- IVES Training Group – serves Rhode Island and many states
How to Choose a Forklift Training School
Choosing a forklift training school is an important step in becoming a forklift operator. Here are some factors you should consider:
- Certification: Ensure that the training school offers a certification that is recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. This is crucial because OSHA requires all forklift operators to be trained and certified.
- Curriculum: Look at what the school's training program covers. It should offer a comprehensive program that covers both theory and practical aspects of operating a forklift. This could include safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and hands-on operation.
- Instructors: The instructors should be experienced and qualified. They should have real-world experience in operating forklifts and a good understanding of OSHA regulations.
- Facilities and Equipment: A good training school will have the proper facilities and equipment for hands-on training. You should be able to train on the actual types of forklifts that you will be using in the workplace.
- Reputation: Check the school's reputation. Look for reviews or testimonials from past students. You can also ask around in your industry to see if the school is well-regarded.
- Cost: While cost shouldn't be the only factor, it is something to consider. Compare the costs of different training schools and what they offer. Some schools might include the cost of certification in their fees, while others might not.
- Post-Training Support: Some training schools offer job placement assistance or have relationships with local employers. This could be beneficial in helping you find a job after you complete your training.
- Refresher Courses: Check if the school offers refresher courses. OSHA requires forklift operators to be retrained every three years, or in certain other circumstances, so a school that offers these courses can be beneficial in the long run.
Remember, the goal of training is not just to get certified, but also to gain the skills and knowledge needed to operate a forklift safely and efficiently. Therefore, it's important to choose a school that offers a high-quality training program.
What Do You Need To Apply for Forklift Training
- Training schools and employers require job applicants to have high school diplomas
- Trainees must have organizational skills as most of their work involved the proper arrangement of materials at the warehouse.
- Trainees must communicate effectively with others. This is very vital when working in real warehouse conditions, especially when working in very tight spaces, in order to avoid mishaps, accidents, and material damage.
- Must behave professionally because driving machinery like forklift is no joke, it can cause a serious accident if mishandled.
- The trainee must be in very good health condition. You will be subjected to physically demanding and tiring assignments for long hours, thus it demands your vigor at work.
- Must wear PPE during the duration of the course.
Before you on, I would like to invite you to READ these articles related to getting forklift certified:
- How Long is the Training to Complete?
- Is Online Training Suits You?
- When Do You Need Forklift Retraining/Refresher Course?
- What Are Your Work Responsibilities and Description?
- How to Become Fully Certified to Operate the Truck?
- Where Can You Take the Forklift Training?
- Salary of Forklift Operator by State and City
- What are the Requirements Before Taking the Training?
If you are a company and looking for ways to get your operators certified, here are the topics you need to know, READ these:
- How to Provide Cost Effective Training to Save Money?
- It is Your Obligation to Provide Training for Your Workers
- How Operators Being Trained to be OSHA Certified?
- Workers is Injured at Work, Are You Liable?
Salary of Certified Forklift Operator
A certified forklift driver employed in Rhode Island can expect a good salary compared to other states, the salary is $42,902 on average per year. In Connecticut, one of the neighboring states, the salary is slightly higher.
Here are the cities of RI that offer high wages for forklift operators according to the February 27, 2023 report of Salary.com:
$43,314 - Ashaway | $42,760- North Smithfield |
$43,287- Exeter | $42,909 - Portsmouth |
$42,969 - Greene | $43,014 - Saundertown |
$43,327- Hopkinton | $43,004- Slocum |
$43,273 - Kenyon | $43,287- Wood River Junction |
$43,314 - Hope Valley | $42,948- Wakefield |
$42,665- Mapleville | $42,981- West Kingston |
$43,009 - Newport | $42,773- West Warwick |
The BLS predicted that demand for forklift operators and other heavy equipment drivers in Rhode Island will increase by 12% between the year 2012-2020.
If you have great interest to enter this vocation, you can anticipate better long-term employment, as factories and businesses will continue to hire certified and talented individuals like you to drive their heavy machinery.
Is Rhode Island Good State to Be a Forklift Operator?
The suitability of a state like Rhode Island for a forklift operator could depend on several factors. Here are some considerations:
- Job Availability: As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, I wouldn't have the most current data on job availability in Rhode Island. However, if there are many warehouses, distribution centers, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities in the state, there could be a good number of job opportunities for forklift operators.
- Salary: The average salary for forklift operators can vary by state. In 2021, the national average salary for a forklift operator in the United States was around $15 per hour, but this could be higher or lower in Rhode Island depending on the cost of living and the demand for forklift operators.
- Cost of Living: Rhode Island, being in the northeastern part of the U.S., has a higher cost of living compared to many other states. This could affect your net take-home pay and your quality of life.
- Regulations and Training Opportunities: Some states have more rigorous safety regulations and training requirements for forklift operators than others. This could affect your job prospects, as well as your ability to maintain and enhance your skills.
- Quality of Life: Apart from the job itself, you may want to consider other factors such as the climate, recreational opportunities, culture, traffic, and the general lifestyle in Rhode Island to see if it suits you.
Therefore, while Rhode Island could be a good state for a forklift operator, it would depend on your personal circumstances and preferences. I would recommend doing some research into current job listings, salary information, and cost of living in Rhode Island to get a more accurate picture of what it might be like to work as a forklift operator there.
What Do You Need To Apply for Forklift Training
Governing Offices:
If you have questions, complaints, concerns about workers’ occupational health and safety standards, wage-related benefits, and forklift certification, you can contact these offices:
RI Department of Labor and Training
Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety
1511 Pontiac Avenue - Building 70 - P.O. BOX 20247
Cranston, RI 02920-0943
(401)462-8580
www.dlt.ri.gov
Rhode Island OSHA
380 Westminster Mall, Room 543
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 528-4669
With the above tutorial on acquiring forklift certification, it certainly very easy now for you to make an educated choice on how to become a certified forklift operator.
Cities of RI
Bristol County, Barrington, Warren, Kent County, Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Warwick, Newport County, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Providence County, Burrillville, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, Foster, Glocester, Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Scituate, Smithfield, Woonsocket, Washington County, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, Richmond, South Kingstown, Westerly