There’s a situation when a forklift operator leaves the company to transfer and work for another. During his stay with the company, he was trained, certified and issued with operator card. The forklift license he has in possession is still valid. Now, he is resigning to work for another employer.
The question is if his forklift certification can be used to get a job in another company?
Let’s us assume the operator has already submitted his employment documents such as the certificate of employment and forklift training certificate to new company. If I were the new employer, I will only accept these as evidence of qualification.
The answer to that question is that it cannot be used.
Let me explain why. Different employers have their own different safety training standards. Some companies provide training that exceeds what OSHA regulation requires and may have stricter safety rules, others may be below the standards and lax. In short, some employers comply with the regulation and enforce the standards better than others.
Now, there could be an instance when the new employer has higher standard than the former employer, or it could be the other way around. Whatever the situation may be, the new employer has to conduct new session of training and evaluation for the operator.
It's important to note that forklift certification is an industry standard that demonstrates that an operator has been trained and tested on the proper and safe operation of a forklift. Forklift certification is often required by occupational safety regulations and may be enforced by government agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
However, each company may have its own specific policies and procedures for the operation of forklifts, which can vary based on the type of industry, size of the company, and other factors. These policies and procedures may include specific requirements for the type of training and certification needed to operate a forklift, as well as specific guidelines for operating the forklift on the job.
For example, one company may require that all forklift operators be trained on a specific type of forklift, while another company may allow operators to be trained on multiple types. Some companies may require additional training on specific safety procedures, while others may not.
It's important to understand these differences and to make sure that you have the appropriate training and certification for each company you work for. This can help to ensure that you are operating the forklift safely and in compliance with the company's policies and procedures.
In conclusion, while forklift certification may be a standardized industry requirement, it is specific to the company that provided the training and certification. If you wish to operate a forklift for another company, it's important to check with the new company for their specific requirements for training and certification.
In What Areas Should the Operator Be Trained On?
Let us visit the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 regulation.
1910.178(l)(2)(ii) – the training process shall compose of formal education (classroom instruction) and evaluation of the operator’s performance in the workplace.
1910.178(l)(3)(ii) Workplace Related Topics – evaluation shall be conducted in surface condition where the forklift will be operated in [1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(A)],
other unique or potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the workplace that could affect safe operation [1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(I)].
1910.178(l)(4) - Refresher training and evaluation. Specifically, the 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(E),
a condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck.
Since the operator will be driving in different environment and workplace condition, these OSHA general requirements will be applicable. These are significant basis for the new employer to conduct training for the operator.
In addition, if the operator will be tasked to operate in his new job different types or classes of forklifts he is not used to or familiar with, he must be trained as well in equipment-specific issues (1910.178(l)(3)(i) - Truck-related topics).
The training course to be provided to operator must comprise of safe operation of the specific type of forklift that will be driven by the worker, due to the various skills required for each class.
What If You’re Moving to Another State?
If you will be working in a new company located in other state, the same thing applies. You should be trained by your new employer. The training requirements will be the same.
Unless, you are moving in Massachusetts where the law specifically specifies that "No person shall operate hoisting machinery unless the operator holds a license or temporary permit." The license requirements for a Massachusetts to submit for an application are: a copy of your driver's license and DOT medical card. Applicant applying for a license must pass a written test and operator's exams, to be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.
What Will be Your Proof of Training Completion?
The new company can issue operator card after the successful certification process. The card will also serve as worker’s identification and record of operator’s ability and limitation.
The information that must be included are: name and signature of the operator, date of the training completion, name and signature of the trainer who delivered the course, classes of trucks the operator is certified to operate, photo of the operator (this is necessary to prevent misuse, there are reports that operator lend their card to others).
Some Words for the Employer
It is required for you to maintain and keep training record of your operators. Whether you are small firm composing of less than 20 workers or large company who has a hundred or more employees, keeping database or record like training attendance sheets, photocopy of operator cards, contract with outside consultant (if trainer is hired from outside source), screenshot of online certification (if formal education is provided through online mean) and other evidence that will show proof of compliance can prevent you from receiving OSHA citation when their inspector visited your worksite unannounced.
Using certification for another company
Forklift certification is an important aspect of operating a forklift in a safe and responsible manner. It demonstrates that the operator has received training and has been tested on the proper and safe operation of a forklift, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. However, as mentioned earlier, forklift certification is specific to the company that provided the training and certification.
This means that if you wish to operate a forklift for another company, you may need to undergo additional training and obtain certification from that company. This is because each company may have different policies, procedures, and types of forklifts, which could impact the type of training and certification required.
For example, one company may require certification on a specific type of forklift, while another company may require certification on multiple types. Some companies may require additional training on specific safety procedures, while others may not. Additionally, the type of industry, size of the company, and other factors can all impact the requirements for forklift certification.
It's important to understand these differences and to check with the new company for their specific requirements for forklift certification and training. Failure to do so could result in you operating the forklift in a manner that is not compliant with the company's policies and procedures, which could put you, your coworkers, and the company at risk.
By checking with the new company for their specific requirements and undergoing any necessary additional training and certification, you can help to ensure that you are operating the forklift safely and in compliance with the company's policies and procedures. This can help to maintain a safe working environment and protect everyone involved.
Importance of Compliance with Company Policies and Procedures
By operating a forklift in a manner that is not compliant with the company's policies and procedures, you could put yourself, your coworkers, and the company at risk. For example, if you are not trained on the specific procedures for operating a forklift in the company's warehouse, you could accidentally hit a structure or cause damage to products, which could result in costly repairs and downtime.
Additionally, if you are not following the company's policies for safe operation of a forklift, you could put yourself and others in danger of injury or death. Forklifts can be heavy and powerful machines, and if not operated correctly, they can cause serious accidents and injuries.
It's important to understand the company's policies and procedures for forklift operation, and to always operate the forklift in compliance with those policies and procedures. This includes not only following specific procedures for operating the forklift, but also wearing the proper safety equipment, such as a hard hat and safety shoes, and making sure the forklift is properly maintained and inspected.
By operating a forklift safely and in compliance with company policies and procedures, you can help to maintain a safe working environment and protect everyone involved.
Conclusion
While forklift certification is an industry standard that demonstrates an operator's training and competence in the proper and safe operation of a forklift, it is specific to the company that provided the training and certification. Each company may have different policies, procedures, and types of forklifts, which could impact the type of training and certification required.
If you wish to operate a forklift for another company, you may need to undergo additional training and obtain certification from that company. It's important to check with the new company for their specific requirements for forklift certification and training, and to ensure that you have the appropriate training and certification for each company you work for.
Overall, it's important to be aware of the company-specific nature of forklift certification and to make sure that you are operating the forklift safely and in compliance with each company's policies and procedures.
Formal and hands-on training have to be done, when you transfer to another employer, so that you do not become a liability instead of an asset.
