Forklift License


For business owners that use forklifts as a tool in their business, providing forklift training and licensing for their material handlers is a must. Companies can't function without the proper safety approval, and a costly accident can shut a business down for good.





In 1998, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a new set of standards for operators of industrial trucks, including forklifts. The scope of the standards is vast, and varies by the type of industry and the types of materials being handled. However, there are some points that are common for all businesses that utilize forklifts.

* New forklift operators must complete a training program, at the end of which they will be evaluated.
* Experienced forklift operators also need to be evaluated, and retrained if they don't perform in certain areas.
* A qualified trainer must conduct both training and evaluation, and all licenses and certifications must be in writing.
* Training must cover the basics (physics and design) of how forklifts work, safety procedures, operation and maintenance of the equipment.
* A refresher course (and re-evaluation) must be given every three years to each employee that operates the equipment.
* Safety training is encouraged (and in some cases, required) for all employees that may be near a forklift or the materials being handled.

OSHA requirements aside, it is a good idea for any business to provide licensing, training, and evaluation of forklift operators on a regular basis. As an employer, you may choose to hire only licensed, experienced forklift operators from the start--but just remember that this doesn't excuse you from providing ongoing safety training. If you hire new and inexperienced operators, you'll want to send them to a complete training before they even get near a piece of equipment.

Some businesses get some of their own employees (managers and supervisors, for example) qualified and licensed to conduct training, especially for the required refresher courses. However, you'll want to consider the resources you have available for this. Depending on the number of employees and/or supervisors you have, it may be more time- and cost- effective to send your forklift operators out for their forklift license.

Whichever way you decide to do it, don't neglect your responsibilities. Even without strict regulations by OSHA, you are always putting your business (not to mention the lives of your employees!) at risk if you are not following common-sense safety standards. Part of this means requiring a forklift license for anyone who handles materials in a hazardous environment.



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