OSHA forklift certification requirements are designed to ensure worker safety in every professional setting. Failure to comply with OSHA’s regulations and your organization could be at risk of expensive penalties and fines. Beyond the financial ramifications, there’s also safety to consider; OSHA estimates that 70 percent of forklift accidents in the U.S. are preventable.
What are OSHA Forklift Certification Requirements?
Forklifts require a specific set of skills for operation. Forklift certification requirements from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) help ensure operators have the skills necessary to safely use this equipment. Before an employee begins using powered industrial trucks, including forklifts, they must be trained and certified to OSHA standards.
Employers are required to provide this training. Every three years, employers must also provide refresher training. This refresher course may also be necessary after operator changes or workplace accidents. By keeping employees updated on operational requirements, managers help maintain compliance with OSHA regulations.
OSHA forklift certification requirements are simple:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- New operators must complete forklift training and become officially certified
- Certifications must be updated every three years with additional training programs
- Forklift operators must carry proof of their certification
- Must be certified to operate the specific class vehicle
- Trainees can only operate forklifts under direct supervision of certified employees
For additional guidance on OSHA forklift certification requirements, see the official OSHA website.
How to Meet OSHA Forklift License Requirements
OSHA forklift training requirements are fairly straightforward. Aspiring forklift operators must complete training, take an exam, and then pass an in-person driving test. When it comes to actually complete these training requirements, you’ve got a couple of options from which to choose:
In-Person Training
Send your aspiring forklift operators to in-person training, where they’ll receive the traditional classroom learning experience. While often expensive and time-consuming, such training programs fulfill forklift operator training requirements in one fell swoop.
In-House and Online Training
Many companies are opting to provide in-house training to meet OSHA forklift certification requirements. Our Train the Trainer course is a great way to educate a dedicated employee on the hands-on assessment portion of the certification process. Why spend extra time and money sending employees to an in-person training when you can educate them in-house instead? OSHA requires a hands-on assessment after the training course is completed. It can be conducted by any experienced lift operator you have on site.
When combined with our online curriculum that can be accessed 24 hours a day, this option proves more affordable and more convenient than traditional in-person learning. It’s less stressful than classroom learning and participants can take the final exam as many times as they need to. In-house training is a great way to ensure your entire team is OSHA-compliant.
The Dangers of Operating a Forklift Without Certification
Forklifts are incredibly powerful. When used improperly by untrained workers, they can be downright dangerous. According to OSHA, forklifts are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 79 fatal forklift accidents in the United States in 2019. In addition to fatal accidents, there were also approximately 8,140 nonfatal forklift accidents that same year.
While statistics can vary from one year to the next, these numbers demonstrate just how dangerous it can be to operate forklifts without OSHA forklift certification. These incidents are incredibly costly in terms of human suffering, but they can also have far-reaching financial ramifications. OSHA reports that the direct costs of a forklift accident can run between $30,000 and $50,000. Property damage, equipment repair or replacement, medical bills, workers’ compensation claims, and legal fees add up fast.
Getting certified to operate a forklift is the best way to prevent accidents. Certification courses typically only take a few days to complete, but they can make a world of difference when it comes to safety. If you’re an employer, make sure that all of your forklift operators are properly trained and certified. And if you’re an individual who wants to operate a forklift, make sure you get the training you need before getting behind the wheel. It could save your life or the life of someone else.
OSHA Forklift Training Requirements FAQ
You may have questions about forklift license requirements and similar topics. Read our FAQ below to get the insights you need to learn about all aspects of forklift certification.
How Often Does OSHA Require Forklift Recertification?
Forklift certification requirements dictate that all operators be trained and certified before starting work. This involves a written test and a skills test where the operator must demonstrate their knowledge of safe forklift operation. The certification must be renewed every three years.
Safe Work Environment: Trained forklift operators can take the necessary precautions to guard against accidents, injuries, and fatalities.No Compliance Penalties: OSHA-compliant forklift operators are licensed to use a lift. This means you won’t have to worry about OSHA penalties otherwise caused by letting unauthorized workers operate lifts.Increased Productivity: Since trained forklift operators know the ins and outs of how to use a lift, they can perform everyday tasks correctly. The result: your business can boost its productivity." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What Does it Mean to be an OSHA-Certified Forklift Operator?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "OSHA compliance is a must for any business that hires workers that use forklifts every day. By completing OSHA-compliant training, workers can receive insights on how to safely operate different types of forklifts. The training verifies that forklift operators know exactly what to do to maintain a safe, productive work environment." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What Will Happen if Workers Operate a Forklift Without a License?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Businesses that let workers operate a forklift without a license can put operations, their employees, and their customers in danger. Unlicensed forklift operators are susceptible to mistakes that lead to accidents. If a forklift accident occurs, it can lead to equipment damage, injuries, or fatalities. When the accident involves an unlicensed forklift operator, it can lead to OSHA penalties, too." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Is it Worthwhile to Enroll My Entire Staff in Forklift Certification Training?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Your goal is to maintain workplace safety. To accomplish your goal, it can be beneficial to enroll all of your workers in OSHA-compliant forklift certification training. Workers can use the training to improve safety across your work environment. Over time, they can help your business avoid forklift accidents and optimize its productivity." } }]}
What are the Consequences of Not Following OSHA Forklift Certification Requirements?
According to OSHA under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, any employer who willfully or repeatedly violates any standard or rule described in this Act, including not meeting forklift certification requirements, may be penalized with a fine of not more than $70,000 for each violation, and not less than $5,000 for each violation.
What are the Benefits of Following Forklift Certification Requirements?
In short, it means you’re OSHA compliant. Once you have your OSHA forklift certification card and follow proper certification requirements, the benefits include:
- Safe Work Environment: Trained forklift operators can take the necessary precautions to guard against accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- No Compliance Penalties: OSHA-compliant forklift operators are licensed to use a lift. This means you won’t have to worry about OSHA penalties otherwise caused by letting unauthorized workers operate lifts.
- Increased Productivity: Since trained forklift operators know the ins and outs of how to use a lift, they can perform everyday tasks correctly. The result: your business can boost its productivity.
What Does it Mean to be an OSHA-Certified Forklift Operator?
OSHA compliance is a must for any business that hires workers that use forklifts every day. By completing OSHA-compliant training, workers can receive insights on how to safely operate different types of forklifts. The training verifies that forklift operators know exactly what to do to maintain a safe, productive work environment.
What Will Happen if Workers Operate a Forklift Without a License?
Businesses that let workers operate a forklift without a license can put operations, their employees, and their customers in danger. Unlicensed forklift operators are susceptible to mistakes that lead to accidents. If a forklift accident occurs, it can lead to equipment damage, injuries, or fatalities. When the accident involves an unlicensed forklift operator, it can lead to OSHA penalties, too.
Is it Worthwhile to Enroll My Entire Staff in Forklift Certification Training?
Your goal is to maintain workplace safety. To accomplish your goal, it can be beneficial to enroll all of your workers in OSHA-compliant forklift certification training. Workers can use the training to improve safety across your work environment. Over time, they can help your business avoid forklift accidents and optimize its productivity.
Get Help Meeting Forklift Training Requirements
CertifyMe.net offers comprehensive online resources that meet all OSHA forklift training requirements, including recertification training for workers who need to update their certification. Whether you’re an individual seeking certification for a new job or a manager looking to certify your team, CertifyMe.net has a range of options to help you meet OSHA standards.
If you have any questions or are ready to become OSHA-compliant, don’t hesitate to contact CertifyMe.net. Our experts can be reached at 1-888-699-4800, and we’re ready to help you with all of your forklift certification needs. Don’t delay in prioritizing workplace safety – get started with CertifyMe.net today.
FAQs
OSHA Forklift Certification Requirements | Certifyme.net? ›
Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift. Ensure operators are trained on types of trucks in use. Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition. Keep forklifts in clean condition; free of excess oil and grease.
What are OSHA requirements for forklift? ›Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift. Ensure operators are trained on types of trucks in use. Remove from service any forklift found to be in unsafe operating condition. Keep forklifts in clean condition; free of excess oil and grease.
Is the OSHA forklift test hard? ›Earning a forklift certification isn't overly difficult, and it usually only takes one or two days to do so. Not to mention, it's an easy way to earn higher starting pay and stand out when applying for warehouse job opportunities.
What is one of OSHA's key forklift loading requirements? ›Perhaps one of the most important OSHA forklift regulations requires all truck operators to be trained and certified. Lifts are not to be driven up to someone who is sitting or standing – untrained workers cannot ride on forklifts, either.
Does OSHA require a written forklift test? ›The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires forklift operators to be trained, and requires employers to “certify” that an operator has been properly trained and evaluated.
What is the requirement for forklift operator? ›Forklift Operator Requirements:
High school diploma or GED. Valid fork-lifting certificate. Excellent hand-eye coordination. Proficiency in operating technical machinery and RF scanners.
Examples of OSHA standards include require- ments to provide fall protection, prevent trenching cave-ins, prevent exposure to some infectious diseases, ensure the safety of workers who enter confined spaces, prevent exposure to such harmful substances as asbestos and lead, put guards on machines, provide respirators or ...
Is OSHA 30 easy to pass? ›OSHA 30 is a 30-hour course that promotes workplace safety and health and improves workers' knowledge about occupational hazards. Getting an OSHA 30 certification is not a difficult process.
What happens if you fail the OSHA test? ›If a student fails any of the quizzes or final exam after three attempts, they must restart the training in its entirety.
What score do you need to pass OSHA test? ›Due to OSHA requirements, students taking a 10- or 30-hour OSHA Outreach course have up to three attempts to pass course tests, including each end-of-module quiz and the final exam. To successfully pass a quiz or the final exam, students need to score 70% or higher.
What is forklift checklist? ›
A forklift checklist is a tool used by forklift operators to ensure that powered industrial trucks are in good working condition before use.
Does OSHA require a horn on a forklift? ›All mobile equipment shall be equipped with a horn distinguishable from the surrounding noise level and an automatic back-up alarm.
Does OSHA require forklift drivers to wear safety glasses? ›Forklift operators should always wear safety glasses that can be adjusted to fit their face.
What is forklift certified? ›A forklift certification is the result of a training program that ensures employees have the aptitude, knowledge and safety standards in order to operate a forklift without risk of injury or damage to company property.
What are the three points of a forklift that make up the stability triangle? ›Most forklifts have a three-point suspension system. The three points are the two front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle. Connect the three points, and you have what's called the stability triangle.
Does OSHA require seat belts on forklifts? ›OSHA requires that operators use seat belts when they are furnished. Employers are responsible for ensuring that forklift operators are wearing their seat belts.
Is forklift inspections only required once per year? ›How often does a forklift have to be inspected? OSHA requires that forklift vehicles have to be inspected at least daily, or after each shift when used around the clock. You will find this requirement in the Powered Industrial Truck standard at 1910.178(q)(7).
How high should a load be carried on a forklift? ›Carrying the load
Keep the forks 6 to 10 inches above the ground to avoid potential hazards on the ground. Remember that forklifts are top-heavy. Carry the load low and tilted back. Use caution when carrying a load on an uneven surface; it creates a tip-over hazard.
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It was created out of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Its purpose is to ensure safe working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
How do I make sure I am OSHA compliant? ›- Find OSHA's standards and standard interpretations, and see what standards OSHA is citing in your industry.
- Maintain injury and illness records and submit to OSHA electronically, if required.
What does OSHA require two of? ›
Two employees must be present during work on energized systems >600 volts | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
How many questions is the OSHA 30 final exam? ›The final exam for the online OSHA 30-Hour course has 100 questions and the online OSHA 10-Hour course has 40 questions. What score do I need to pass an OSHA course? OSHA courses only allow 3 attempts for all checkpoint exams, as well as the final exam. The final exam requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.
How many times can you fail OSHA? ›OSHA courses allow three attempts to pass an exam. You must score at least 70% to pass an exam. If you receive a failing grade three times on any one exam, it is considered failure from the course. At that point you will not be able to continue and a new course must be registered and started from the beginning.
How many questions can you miss on OSHA 30 final exam? ›The final exam for 30-Hour OSHA courses includes 100 questions, requiring a minimum score of 70% to pass.
How many questions are on the OSHA? ›The OSHA 30 final exam typically consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. However, the exact number of questions may vary slightly depending on the training provider or course format. For example, with Osha.com, the final exam consists of 20 questions.
How long is OSHA good for? ›The student course completion cards in Construction, General Industry, Maritime and Disaster Site do not have an expiration date.
Do you have to answer OSHA questions? ›You may decline to be photographed, videotaped or recorded. If you decide to voluntarily speak with the OSHA inspector, you must answer his or her questions truthfully. To speak truthfully, you must first understand the question.
What is the highest OSHA salary? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $91,068 and as low as $21,053, the majority of Osha salaries currently range between $27,908 (25th percentile) to $48,961 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $78,338 annually in California.
How long is an OSHA test? ›OSHA 10 is a 10-hour safety course designed by OSHA to cover safety basics for workers in high-risk industries. The point is to make workers aware of common safety and health hazards they may find on the job, as well as their right to work in a safe and "healthful" environment.
How long does it take to finish OSHA 30? ›OSHA 30 hour training takes 4 days to complete whether your training is online or with an authorized trainer in a live instructional setting.
What are 5 safety rules for forklift? ›
Keep your arms, legs, head, and feet inside the forklift when driving. Never drive with the forks up, and never use the forklift to push other vehicles. Never pass a forklift going in the same direction, especially at blind spots, intersections, or other dangerous areas.
What is the most common forklift accident? ›Forklift rollovers are the most common type of forklift accident found in warehouses. A forklift turnover typically happens if the load is overextended or out of balance, shifting the center of gravity of the entire mass (truck + load) to a tipping point.
What happens if you're not forklift certified? ›OSHA doesn't play around. They have the authority to fine an employer $7,000 for every forklift operator not certified and this number can increase to $70,000 if willful negligence is proven.
What are 6 pre operational checks you would do on a forklift? ›- Fluid levels -- oil, water, and hydraulic fluid.
- Leaks, cracks or any other visible defect including hydraulic hoses and mast chains. ...
- Tire condition and pressure including cuts and gouges.
- Condition of the forks, including the top clip retaining pin and heel.
- Load backrest extension.
...
- Electric Forklifts. Cables and connectors for frayed or exposed wires. ...
- Internal Combustion Forklifts. Engine oil. ...
- Liquid Propane Forklifts. Properly mounted tank.
The operator should carry out a visual check ("circle" check) before starting the forklift. After completing the visual pre-start check, the operator should do an operational pre-use check.
Does OSHA have a forklift speed limit? ›There's no defined OSHA forklift speed limit. Instead, OSHA leaves it up to employers to determine a safe forklift speed. The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) “recommends a max speed of 8 mph in general and a 3 mph max speed in high pedestrian traffic areas."
Does OSHA require helmet on forklift? ›OSHA Rules
Nothing specifically. The OSHA standard for construction workplaces simply states that “employees working in areas where there is a possible injury from head injury from impact, or from falling objects, or from electrical shock or burns, shall be protected by protective helmets.”
Are Forklift Mirrors Required by OSHA? Many people assume that forklift mirror requirements must be mandated by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In reality, there is no such requirement.
What does OSHA require for forklift? ›OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(I) requires that employers provide forklift operators training for vehicle inspection and maintenance. Operators must be over 18 years of age and be recertified at least once every three years. The similar CSA standard is B335-04 (R2012).
Can you wear a hoodie on a forklift? ›
Ensure forklift lights and wipers are fully functional. Remove ice and mud from windshield before operation. Wear appropriate clothing (rain gear, warm clothing, gloves, hats; no hoodies which can restrict visibility).
Are steel toe boots required for forklift operators? ›3 answers. Yes all forklift drivers are required to wear steel toed shoes.
Why is being forklift certified a big deal? ›Lessens The Risks Of Accidents
Most industrial operations require the powered industrial lift truck operators and forklift operators to be certified by their employer. Driving a forklift takes experience and skills, which means your operator needs to have the certifications and proper training to do it safely.
Many companies prohibit deaf people, as well as those with other disabilities, from operating a forklift for safety reasons. However, other companies allow it.
What are the 3 guards on a forklift? ›- Backrest Extension. A backrest extension on the forks prevents part of the load from falling rearward toward the operator. ...
- Overhead Guard. An overhead guard prevents an object on the forks or on a high rack from falling onto the operator while picking or placing a load at elevation. ...
- Mast. ...
- Operator Restraints.
There are three forklift directional controls: park, drive, and reverse. Directional controls can be mounted to a lift's steering column. Or, they may be placed in a position where an operator controls them with their foot.
What does OSHA 1910.178 standard require forklift operators to do? ›OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, requires all forklift/equipment operators to be trained and certified – qualified – as a competent operator prior to permitting your employee(s) to operate the equipment (with an exception during supervised training).
What are the OSHA regulations on forklift speeds? ›There's no defined OSHA forklift speed limit. Instead, OSHA leaves it up to employers to determine a safe forklift speed. The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) “recommends a max speed of 8 mph in general and a 3 mph max speed in high pedestrian traffic areas."
What is OSHA Standard 1910.178 Q 7? ›Background: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) requires that "Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Such examination shall be made at least daily.
Does OSHA require daily forklift inspection? ›Daily, pre-shift inspection of powered industrial trucks is required by OSHA standards.
What are 10 of the most violated OSHA standards? ›
- Fall Protection (General) 5,260.
- Hazard Communication. 2,424.
- Respiratory Protection. 2,185.
- Ladders. 2,143.
- Scaffolding. 2,058.
- Control of Hazardous Energy. (Lockout/Tagout) 1,977.
- Powered Industrial Trucks. 1,749.
- Fall Protection (Training) 1,556.
Halo Rule: Maintains that one must always stay three feet away from forklifts. This creates a “safety halo” that consists of a two-ring zone – the danger zone and the warning zone. Danger Zone: This is the zone within three feet of a forklift. If a pedestrian is within three feet, the operator must stop.
What is the limit of lifting on a forklift? ›What Is Forklift Capacity And How Is It Measured? Forklift capacity is the measurement of how much weight a particular forklift can lift. Lower capacities begin around 3,000 lbs. and can go up to over 50,000 lbs.
At what distance is a forklift considered to be unattended? ›A powered industrial truck is considered "unattended": When the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle even if it remains in his view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his view.
Is a fire extinguisher required on a forklift? ›OSHA does not require fire extinguishers on forklifts. However, if they are provided they would fall under 1910.157(e), which requires portable fire extinguishers to be visually inspected monthly and subjected to a maintenance check annually.