A Guide to Forklift Training
When working with a forklift on a daily basis, it is important to be trained properly. For the safety of yourself and others, your job may require some forklift training. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards regarding laws and rules for workplace safety. These include the use of vehicles in the workplace, such as forklifts. Depending on what certifications your job may be looking for, you can find training for a variety of prices and in different forms.
Free
You can find many courses online. You can take the Forklift Operation and Safety course on free-training.com. Here you will learn about various topics and take a final test. Though your boss may not accept this as full training, it can be a cheap way to build a resume. It is often the case that companies will pay for necessary training. As someone with a base knowledge and training of safety and operation, you could get the job over other candidates.
Middle of the Road
To simply earn a certificate you can take the Mastery Online OSHA Forklift Training course. You will have 60 days to complete this class. You can go in and out of the lessons, allowing you to complete this on your own time. You will learn about inspection, safe use and standard operating procedures. Upon conclusion of the 14 lessons and 33 quizzes you will earn your completion certificate. Again, some companies may be looking for a particular certification, or enrollment in multiple courses. This is a simple, beginner’s course making you eligible to operate a forklift. It complies with OSHA standards.
Hands On
If your learning style requires hands on lessons and in class lectures, then you can enroll in a classroom course. This class is only offered in Los Angeles, through the Forklift Academy, thus it may not be a realistic option for everyone. If it is, you can enroll online for $149.00. In this class you will get hands on operation of the vehicle, which is something that may be required by your job. After the six hour class, you will be tested on the information provided. When you pass you’ll receive a printed operator certification card. If you do not already have a job in the field, the course also offers job placement. Forklift Academy has partnered with related companies and temp agencies to help align you with the right position. Your name is put into their job opening database, making you available for positions as they come.
Operating a forklift requires more than the simple act of driving and lifting. To comply with OSHA rules and regulations you need to know standard operation procedures, as well as an understanding of safety, inspection, unloading and refueling, etc. This will be important to not only you as an employee but your employer as well. This ensures the safety of everyone around you and the equipment you are using. Finding a course is easy, but you’ll want to choose the one that you need.
