Forklift License in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued regulation 520 CMR 6.00 ordering, in addition to OSHA standard that no individual can operate a forklift without a license or temporary permit.

The new DPS regulation includes two new licenses classes: Class 1D (general industrial warehouse forklift license); and Class 2D (compact hoisting machinery license). Class 2D operator who holds a license with a Class 1 grade greater than 1D is allowed to drive general industrial warehouse forklift.

Before you can continue reading this guide, CHECK these helpful articles that help you get hold of your forklift certification:

• How to Become Forklift Certified
• Where Can You Go to Get Forklift License
• 8 Tips to Help You Choose the Best Forklift Training School
• Requirements You Need Before Applying for a Training Course
• How Much is the Forklift License
• How Long Does the Forklift Training Lasts
• How to Renew Your Old Forklift Certification
• Know More About Online Certification
• When to Take Forklift Refresher Training
• Fines and Penalties
• What Are Your Primary Job Descriptions

Some words for the employer who are seeking training for their workers, check these useful topics to help you:

• Will the Company train the operator to drive forklifts
• How to save money training the forklift operators 
• Purpose and Objective of Forklift Operator Safety Training
• Contents and Topics that must be included in the training

Who Should Apply for DPS License?

The operators of hoisting machinery (that includes forklift) with the height of the lift exceeds 10 feet or the weight of the load exceeds 500 pounds, must obtain a license from DPS.

Employers are exempted to apply for the licensing requirements in these following situations:

• If the employer has training program approved by DPS
• A supervisor who holds a hoisting license must oversee the operation at all times.
• All operators must be issued with company license showing photo, type of forklift that the operator is capable to use, name and signature of the operator.
• Operators can only be certified to operate the specific forklift for which the supervisor possesses a license issued by the DPS.

For more information about DPS regulation, visit: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/consumer-prot-and-bus-lic/license-type/hoisting/hoisting.html

Getting Forklift License in Massachusetts

Aside from the DPS regulation, the employer must adhere to OSHA standards.

All forklift operators must be trained by their employers or evaluated by an approved trainer. If you’re in the construction industry you must comply with OSHA 1926.602(d), shipyards operators cohere with OSHA 1915.120(l) and for those in general industry is OSHA 1910.178(l) standard to follow.

A new operator may find it difficult where to start and what they need to get their forklift certification, we have arranged this instruction for you to follow to make it easy as possible for you.

Understand What Specific Training You Need

Training must specific to the machine you’re operating. Now, if you want to get certified you need to enroll in the training related to the machine you are driving.

Know the Forklift Training Requirement

You must comply the documentary requirements and prerequisites before you can get accepted into the course. We have readied the general requirement below. Please check with training centers for additional, if they need.

Get Enrolled in the Training Course

We have prepared a list of training schools in Massachusetts that provide meet or exceed OSHA standards, see below.

The Forklift Training is Consist of Three Parts:

The formal or classroom instruction – This is the theory part where trainees are given lectures, power point presentation, videos, discussions.

The second part is the course is the hands-on forklift demonstration. The trainer will give sets of tasks to follow. The trainees must finish each task.

The final is the test and evaluation. The trainees will have to take the test and undergo trainer’s evaluation.

Getting Certified

If you’ve passed the test and evaluation, the trainer will hand over your forklift license and certificate of training. The license expires after three years. The renewal is the same taking the training, recertification is needed for its renewal.

Training Centers in Massachusetts

• Mass Hoisting ConEd, LLC - 60 Cedar Lane, Seekonk, MA
• Lift Truck Parts and Service Inc. - West Springfield, Brockton, 866-436-7967
• G Tonucci Crane & Rigging Training - 165 Centre Street, Quincy, MA, Tel: (617) 653-1803
• United Safety Net International Inc. - 52 Cummings Park Drive, Woburn, MA 01801, (978) 767-0630
• United Industrial Service Incorporated - 120 Herbert P. Almgren Drive, Agawam, MA 01001-3828, Phone: 413-789-0896, Toll-Free: 800-666-0896
• Ocean State Forklifts - 22 Hollister Road, Seekonk, MA 02771, 1-800-698-4630, 508-336-4630
• Brodie Toyota-Lift - 10 Ballard Road, Lawrence, MA 01843, (800) 828 2804, (978) 682 6300
• Safety Equipped, Inc. - Tel: 508-332-8959, Swansea, MA 02777
• WD Matthews Machinery Company - 1.866.WDM.LIFT. Training Classes is held in ME, VT, NH, MA, CT
• NITCO - 230 Cherry Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, 800.698.8517 or 508.842.3880
• Starlift Equipment Company - 36 Roanoke Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089, (203) 937-8101
• Summit ToyotaLift - 37 Ramah Circle, Agawam, MA 01001, Phone: (413) 789-4537, Fax: (413) 789-4361
• Crown Lift Trucks - 2 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801, Fax: 781-938-8155
• Mass Hoisting Training Inc. - PO Box 1151, Plymouth, MA 02362, 617-875-2381, 774-222-2297
• NEIT - 220 Ballardvale Street, Suite J, Wilmington, MA 01887, (781) 935-9105
• Mass Hoisting ConEd, LLC - 60 Cedar Lane, Seekonk, MA 02771
• Abel Womack - 1 International Way, Lawrence, MA 01843, 888-610-1397
• OSHA Training Services Inc. - 1441 Main Street, Room 550, Springfield, MA, 1.877.771.6742
• American Aerial Equipment - 45 Alice Agnew Drive, North Attleboro, Tel: 855-619-LIFT
• Motive Solution LLC - Offers training in MA, mobile: 207-240-3588
• Work Opportunity Center - 1666 Main St Suite D, Springfield, MA 01103 1-413-886-0489 x101
• Massasoit Community College - 1 Massasoit Blvd. Brockton, 508-588-9100
• Central Mass. Safety Council - Offers Forklift Train the Trainer Certification, 508-835-2333
• Wise Safety and Environmental - 15 Aegean Drive, Methuen, MA 01844, 877-257-3263 

Forklift Training Requirements for new operator

• Hiring an individual under the age of 18 is against the federal law, likewise, an individual who’s over 18 who’s unlicensed or untrained is also a violation.
• An individual must attain high school or possessed GED certificate.
• An individual who’s a foreigner must understand and can communicate in English.
• No history of drug abuse
• Clean background

Other Forklift Licensing Options

Because of the proliferation of online training course, employers are now deciding to acquire this option. Online training has the benefits of on-site training. Operators will be given the specific program based on their need and skill level. They will be certified on topics in accordance with OSHA standards.

Employers can hire safety consultants to conduct the training on-site. This option is the least disruptive to their business production. This option is the most effective way of training because the trainer can offer a course based on the working condition they’re in and types of machines they’re operating. If you want to work in Rhode Island, the neighboring state, you can follow this link.

When to Get Recertification or Renewal

Three years is the validity of the forklift license, the holder must renew it according to OSHA regulations.

Renewal or recertification occurs when operator shifted to another employer. It’s the responsibility of the new employer to provide you the needed training. The training is workplace and machine specific.

You have been involved in an accident or noticed operating the machine is very unsafe manner. The trainer’s role is to make you realize your mistake. The operation of forklift is no joke, lives are at stake. You can harm yourself or jeopardize others.

Do You Need OSHA 10 Construction Training for Yourself or Workers?

If you are individual who is seeking to get certified or an employer who is looking for a training provider to supply the training to workers, here are the training providers in Massachussetts:

• Greater New Bedford Workforce Board
  1213 Purchase Street, 2nd Floor, New Bedford, MA 02740
  Phone: 508.979.1504
  
  
• AGCMA - Associated General Contractors of Mass
  888 Worcester Street, Suite 40, Wellesley, MA 02482-3708
  Phone: 781.235.2680
  
  
• United Safety Net
  52 Cummings Park Drive, Woburn, MA 01801
  Phone: (978) 767-0630
  
  
• Industrial Safety & Rescue
  387 University Ave • Westwood, Massachusetts 02090
  Phone: 781-908-4291, 781-908-4242
  
  
• HR Training University
  Blandin Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702
  Phone: 800-501-9440
  
  
• Safety Equipped, Inc.
  Swansea, MA 02777
  Phone: 508-332-8959
  
  
• Massachusetts Coalition For Occupational Safety And Health
  42 Charles St., Dorchester, MA 02122
  Phone: (617) 825-SAFE (7233]
  
  
• Fitchburg State University
  Center for Professional Studies
  160 Pearl St, Fitchburg, MA 01420
  
  
• Baystate Education Center (Second Floor)
  361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke, MA 01420
  
  
• Springfield Technical Community College
  One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105
  Phone: (413) 781-7822

Online Training Providers:

• OSHA Campus Online (National Safety Training)
  Phone: 877-590-9133; 800-455-0607
  
  
• ClickSafety
  Burlington, MA 01803
  Contact: 1.800.971.1080
  
  
• OSHA.com
  Sales: 1-800-985-9286
  Support: 1-844-616-4688
  
  
• OshaTrainer.Org
  Phone: 800.971.1080

If you're going to get certified, you need to pass the written test. The passing grade of the test is 70%, depending on the training provider.

Upon succesful completion, students will be given certificate of training completion, and DOL card will be mailed. These are solid evidences that you've completed the OSHA 10 training course.

Construction workers working in this state are required to have this credential because of the inherent danger in construction sites, otherwise, they are not allowed in this type of workplace. The employer may face hefty fines for allowing workers without such credential.

Proofs of completion of OSHA 10 training must be submitted to the contracting agency by each employee. Having this credential is a must-have. Take the training now, it only takes 2 days to complete the course and will only cost a small amount that usually ranges from $120-$200 per person.

Although online training is available, we still strongly suggest to take the course in-person because you can get the best knowledge absorption.

If you would like to learn more about this state requirement, read this Massachusetts Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division on
Chapter 306 of the Acts of 2004.

Forklift Operator Salary in MA

If you will be working in this state, the average wage you would receive is $44,195 per year. According to Salary.com's latest February 27, 2023 report, here are the cities and towns of Massachusetts that offer high wages for forklift operators:

Governing Authorities:

Department of Public Safety
One Ashburton Place,
13th Floor, Room 1301
Boston, MA 02108

OSHA Massachusetts
Shattuck Office Center
138 River Road, Suite 102
Andover, MA 01810
(978)837-4460 telephone
(978)837-4455 fax

Cities and Towns of MA

Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge, New Bedford, Brockton, Quincy, Lynn, Fall River, Newton, Lawrence, Somerville, Framingham, Haverhill, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Plymouth, Medford, Taunton, Chicopee, Weymouth, Revere, Peabody, Methuen, Barnstable, Pittsfield, Attleboro, Arlington, Everett, Salem, Westfield, Leominster, Fitchburg, Billerica, Holyoke, Beverly, Marlborough, Woburn, Amherst, Braintree, Shrewsbury, Chelsea, Dartmouth, Chelmsford, Andover, Natick, Randolph, Franklin, Falmouth, Lexington, Dracut, Tewksbury, Needham, Gloucester, North Attleborough, Norwood, Northampton, Agawam, West Springfield, North Andover, Milford, Wellesley,Milton, Melrose, Stoughton, Saugus, Bridgewater, Danvers, Marshfield, Wakefield, Reading, Belmont,Dedham, Burlington, Walpole, Yarmouth, Mansfield, Middleborough,Easton, Wilmington, Hingham, Westford, Acton, Wareham, Canton, Stoneham, Winchester, Ludlow, Sandwich, Gardner, Marblehead, Bourne, Hudson, Norton, Westborough, Somerset, Scituate, Pembroke, Grafton, Concord, Sudbury, Sharon, South Hadley, Winthrop, Rockland, Greenfield, Newburyport, Holden, Foxborough, Webster, Southbridge, Ashland, Bellingham, Amesbury, Auburn,Easthampton, Abington,Fairhaven, Swansea, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Northbridge, Westport, Duxbury, Hopkinton, North Reading, Belcher, Westwood, Whitman, Wilbraham, Dennis, Northborough, Mashpee, Hanover, East Bridgewater, Swampscott, Seekonk, Oxford, North Adams, Clinton, Holliston,Uxbridge, Raynham, Bedford, Millbury, Ipswich, Wayland, Charlton, Medway, Kingston, Harwich, Palmer, Medfield, Spencer, Rehoboth, Lynnfield, Athol, Carver, Pepperell, Dudley, Tyngsborough, Weston, Norfolk, Leicester, Wrentham, Holbrook, Groton, Lakeville, Norwell, Acushnet, Winchendon, Hull, Hanson, Nantucket, Maynard, Lunenburg, Ware, Brewster, Southborough, Southwick, Sturbridge, Blackstone, Middleton

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