OSHA Forklift Certification Online – Getting a Forklift Certification Online

Are you going to be entering a field where you know that having your forklift certification would be helpful in potentially furthering your career? Perhaps you need to have certification for your new position. Forklift operators can find work in many different types of industries, but it is essential to have certification before you can start driving a forklift. Therefore, many want to know the best and fastest way to get their forklift certification. First, though, let’s learn a bit more about what you need to know in order to get certified and how the certification can help.

What Does the Law Say?

One of the first questions many people ask when it comes to forklifts is whether they even need to have certification. In Canada, as well as the United States, operators are required to receive their forklift certification before they can operate a forklift legally. Therefore, it is not only a good idea that you complete your OSHA forklift certification online so you can legally operate one of these machines, but it is required. Of course, there is also offline certification, but you will soon see why choosing to certify online may be a much better choice.

Benefits of Becoming Forklift Certified

If you are still on the fence about becoming certified to operate a forklift, consider all of the benefits that it can provide. One of the most important benefits of getting the proper training is the increase in confidence and safety.

The goal of OSHA forklift certification, online or offline, is to ensure the operators know how to use the forklift safely in various types of operations and environments. In addition to the safety of the employees and those who are working around the forklift, there is also less risk for the goods, items, and other equipment in the area of operation.

More job opportunities are available for those who have their certification, as well. When employers see that you already have been forklift certified, they know that you will be able to get up to speed quickly, and you will not have to take time off to go through the training that OSHA requires. The employers will also be pleased that they do not have to pay for the training since you’ve already taken care of it. Taking care of the certification on your own also shows that you are a go-getter who wants to do well.

Getting Your OSHA Forklift Certification Online

Getting certified to operate a forklift is not difficult, and for most people, it only takes a short amount of time. However, you will need to decide between the two basic types of training that you could receive. First, there is the in-person training that would take place in a classroom-type setting. The second is getting the OSHA forklift certification online.

While many people still believe that in-person training is the best option, this has quite a few downsides to it. One of the biggest downsides is that you will actually have to make sure you can get to the classes, which sometimes take several days. That means driving, finding parking, and then getting back home after the class. Online options have far more benefits.

OSHA Forklift Certification Online Competent

When you choose to get your OSHA forklift certification online, you will find that it can provide you with far more flexibility. You can complete the online forklift certification right from the comfort of your own home and without the distractions that could come from a classroom setting. In addition, you can learn at your own pace, and you can access the training around the clock on your own schedule, not the instructor’s schedule.

You will also find that the online certification tends to be much cheaper than the classroom training courses, especially when you factor in the gas costs and the travel time. Once you have completed the training, quality training providers will allow you to access your documentation and certificates online so you can have instant access.

Process for Becoming a Competent Operator

The basics of training are very simple, but you will still need to understand the full certification process. OSHA requires that operators go through two phases when they are learning to operate a forklift.

The first phase focuses on the theory of forklift training. This includes understanding the different types of forklifts, along with the parts and elements of the machines. You need to learn the capacity and stability of forklifts, the safety measures you need to follow, the basics of operation, load handling, refueling/recharging, and the legislation. You will then take an exam to show that you have completed the training and understand the theories it entails.

The second phase will take place in the workplace and is typically completed by your employer. The operators will learn more about the specific type of work they need to do and practice on the actual forklifts they will be using as a part of their daily job. They may be required to practice starting up and shutting down the forklift, inspecting it before operation, practicing driving with and without loads, and practicing load handling, for example.

Once they have completed the hands-on training, they will then have to pass a practical evaluation, showing that they can safely operate the forklift.

Who Needs Refresher Training

Even those who already have their certificates might find that they need to undergo refresher training at some point. Even though OSHA doesn’t have any requirement for refresher training after a certain period, they do require that operators have their skills checked every three years. In addition, there are some circumstances that would require an operator to undergo refresher training, including being observed using the forklift unsafely, not being competent in the job, or having an accident while on the job.

Taking care of the first part of your training with an OSHA forklift certification online is the simplest and fastest way to get into this career.