Forklift safety training is important because an operator who is not properly trained can become an immediate threat to himself and others in the workplace.
Taking such training only takes a small amount of time and investment. Actually, you can get certified in just a little as a day and it doesn’t cost a lot - you can be trained just by paying $100 or less.
The forklift operator card and/or certificate that will be handed over to you after successfully taking the training course is clear evidence that you had completed and passed it. They referred to it as a forklift license.
Obtaining a forklift license in Arkansas is a must. You can show this to a prospective employer when you’re applying for a job or to the supervisor when you’re seeking a promotion.
There’s no reason why you don’t need to have a forklift license. It could elevate your career in this field.
That’s why we prepared this guide to help you achieve such a qualification.
Here are the steps you need to take in completing the training and the details you have to know.
Read on…
How to Obtain a Your Forklift License
- Find a school where you want to take the training - To save you time in finding a school, we made a directory available for you, and the list of training schools in Arkansas is below, for your reference.
- Enroll in a course – please be reminded that before enrolling, you must specify what type of forklift you want to be trained on as there are a lot of them. The course curriculum must match with the type you’ve chosen.
- Attend the classroom training – well, you might find it traditional but the classroom training is an important part of the training course. It is designed to be quick and easy to take, you could actually complete in just 4 hours less.
- Pass the written test - After completing the lectures, an applicant will be given written OSHA required examination. The passing grade is 80%. But this may be different from school to school. The schools may set forth a system with a higher standard.
- Take the practical training – you will go through the actual and hands-on driving. On this part, you will rehearse about the safe and proper use of the equipment. The trainer will oversee you while doing the exercises.
- Get your performance evaluated - the trainer will evaluate your skill operating the forklift. He will assign you to do sorts of work with the forklift such as starting the machine, loading/unloading, picking a laden pallet, maneuvering in tight spaces, weight calculation, transporting of loads, determining hazards, basic inspection and troubleshooting, and other tasks. Once he is satisfied with the skill you exhibited, he will recommend your certification.
- Receive your certificate and/or forklift license – when you are successful in passing the written and practical tests, at the end of the course, you will then receive your certificate and/or license. You can now show this to your employer for possible job offer or promotion.
How to Pass the Training Exams? READ these guides:
If you are an operator seeking certification, READ these important topics:
- How to Become Certified Driving Forklifts
- Where Can You Go To Getting Forklift License
- What are the Requirements You Need Before Taking the Training
- How Much Does It Cost You to Get Forklift Training
- How Long Does It Take You to Complete the Training Course
- Another Alternative: Online Forklift Training - Is It Right for You?
If you are an employer, check these topics:
- Appoint Someone as Forklift Trainer to Deliver the Training to Save Money
- Is it Your Responsibility to Train the Workers
- What Should the Training Be Composed of to Comply with OSHA
- Worker is Injured at Work, Are You Liable?
- How to Renew Forklift License for Your Workers
Forklift Training Schools in Arkansas
- National Lift of Arkansas
601 West Dixon Road, Little Rock , AR 72206, Phone: 501-490-0909
228 South 40th Street, Suite B, Springdale, Phone: 479-717-2535 - Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.
7400 Scott Hamilton Drive, Suite 50, Little Rock AR 72209
Tel: 501-372-5100, Toll Free: 877-372-5151 - Hugg & Hall Equipment Company
1095 Collier Drive, Conway, AR 72032
Phone (501) 450-9500, Fax (501) 450-0016 - Arkansas State University - MID South
Room 103, Workforce Technology Center, ASU Mid-South
2000 West Broadway, West Memphis, AR 72301
Phone: (870)733-6012 - National Park College
101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71913
(501) 760-4222, Toll free number: 1-844-806-8752 - University of Arkansas
2500 South Main Hope, AR 71802
Phone 870.722.8568 (inquire about upcoming classes) - University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479-575-2000 - Arkansas State University
1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, AR 72012
101 River Crest, Heber Springs, AR 72543
1490 Vandenberg Blvd, Suite 115, Jacksonville, AR 72099
1800 East Moore Avenue, Searcy, AR 72143
Contact: 501.207.6249 or 501.207.6250 - The University of Arkansas at Monticello
346 University Dr., Monticello, AR 71656
1.800.844.1826, 870.460.1026 - Seark College
1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
Phone: 870-543-5900 - Black River Technical College
1410 Highway 304 East, Pocahontas, AR 72455
Phone: (870) 248-4000 - Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832
Phone: 870-584-4471, toll free: 800-844-4471 - Philipps Community College
1210 Rice Belt Avenue, DeWitt, AR 72042
P: 870-946-3506, F: 870-946-2644
2807 Hwy. 165 South, Box A, Stuttgart, AR 72160
P: 870-673-4201, F: 870-673-8166 - Heubel-Shaw Material Handling
1300 West Hudson Road, Rogers, Arkansas 72756
Phone: 479-770-2156 - WIESE USA Inc.
3113 E. Washington, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114, (501) 945-2394
4773 North Thompson, Springdale, Arkansas 72764, (479) 751-1102
3105 Prosperity Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404, (870) 972-0800
Please take note, if you are an employer, you can make an arrangement with the school to conduct on-site training. This is very ideal because the training can suit with the current setting of the workplace and behavior of the workers.
Do you know how to enroll in a school to get quality training? READ this:
Forklift Training Course Qualifications
- Applicants must be at the age of 18years old and above; they must show proof of identity to determine the age.
- At least completed high school or completed GED
- No physical disabilities and must be fit
- Can follow instruction
- Can communicate well with others for class participation
- Competent to drive a forklift
More About Retraining
There could some circumstances when you need to take a retraining course. OSHA does require retraining of forklift operators and it happens in instances such as below:
- The common reason why you need to take a refresher course is when your license is expiring. Forklift license does expire every three years and to renew it, you have to take a refresher.
- When the employer assigns you to operate a type of forklift you’re not familiar with. In this case, the employer must provide truck-specific training.
- When the employer introduced a new forklift in the workplace. This is the same as the previous one mentioned. The employer must supply training specific to that type of truck.
- When there are changes made in the workplace. There could be times when the business is in full swing, vehicles and workers come and go to the workplace. To prevent an accident, the employer must supply a refresher course and workplace-specific type of training.
- When the operator is involved in an accident or incident such as near miss, property damage, etc. The purpose of the refresher is to make him realized the mistake he had done in order to correct it.
- When the operator has received a poor rating during a certification course.
- When the operator has been observed operating the equipment in an unsafe manner.
The refresher course should form part of the company’s safety procedure.
Salary of Licensed Forklift Operator
The average salary of a licensed forklift operator in Arkansas is $37,463 per year. Arkansas is the lowest paying state in terms of remuneration. In Oklahoma, the neighboring state, the salary is higher compared to Arkansas.
To give you more details, as of February 27, 2023, here's the salary of operators in different cities/towns of Arkansas according to Salary.com.
| $37,359 - Alicia | $37,647 - Norfork |
| $36,640 - Alpena | $37,144 - Oil Trough |
| $36,713 - Bentonville | $37,396 - Oxford |
| $37,647 - Cotter | $37,252 - Patterson |
| $37,006 - Fayetteville | $37,144 - Plumerville |
| $3,482 - Fort Smith | $37,339 - Roland |
| $37,461 - Jacksonville | $37,359 - Saint Francis |
| $36,258 - Junction City | $37,252 - Strawberry |
| $37,517 - Little Rock | $37,144 - Timbo |
| $37,647 - Mountain Home | $37,646 - Viola |
Browse through the salary of operators by State and City, READ This:
What Can You Reap from Having Forklift Certifications
Obtaining a forklift certification in Arizona can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Improved job opportunities: Many industries, such as manufacturing, warehousing, and construction, require forklift operators. Having a forklift license can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers, as it demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a forklift safely and effectively.
- Increased workplace safety: Forklifts can be dangerous if not operated correctly, and accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. By obtaining a forklift certification, you will learn how to operate the equipment safely and how to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the job.
- Potential for higher wages: Many employers offer higher wages to employees who have a forklift certification, as it is considered a specialized skill. In addition, having a certification can demonstrate to employers that you are serious about your job and willing to invest in your own professional development, which can also lead to opportunities for advancement.
Governing Authorities:
If you have queries, grievances, or needing clarification about forklift licensing, you can pay a visit or call these offices:
Arkansas Department of Labor
Postal address: 10421 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
501-682-4500; www.labor.ar.gov
Arkansas OSHA
10810 Executive Center Dr, Danville Bldg #2; Ste 206, Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: 501-224-1841
Other Cities of AR
Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Bentonville, Hot Springs, Benton, Texarkana, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Russellville, Bella Vista, West Memphis, Paragould, Cabot, Searcy, Van Buren, El Dorado, Maumelle, Blytheville, Forrest City, Siloam Springs, Bryant, Harrison, Hot Springs Village, Mountain Home, Marion, Helena-West Helena, Camden, Magnolia, Arkadelphia, Malvern, Batesville, Hope, Centerton, Monticello, Stuttgart
