If you’ve come to a point in your life where you’re looking to develop a new skill for a career or a job – then becoming forklift certified is a great choice. Being forklift certified can open many doors for you, and the great thing is that you can get your training online. It needs to be done through the right avenues if you’re going to get your OSHA forklift certification, but once you know where to look, you can get started.

Legally Operating a Forklift

If you aren’t aware, you should know that if you’re going to operate a forklift legally, you need to have a certification that permits you to do so. Even if you feel like you could or you’ve had prior practice, you’re not legally allowed to operate one without that training and certification. If you’re looking for a job opening, you’ll be required to prove that you’ve undergone OSHA forklift training at some point. These laws are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), so keep that in mind if you’re considering attempting to go ahead without a certification.

Why OSHA Forklift Training is So Important

While some may look at a forklift and believe it’s simple to operate, there are plenty of global injuries that are forklift-related. According to OSHA, workplace injuries involving forklifts range between 35,000 and 62,000. That number is incredibly high, and having that certification is a means to decrease it. If more and more forklift operators can prove their competence, they’re much safer in the workplace.

It’s not just the forklift operators who are at risk, either. The operators and their team around them could sustain injuries if the forklift is operated incorrectly and loads are dropped or mishandled.

As the laws surrounding this certification are being enforced, all employers must comply with them if they have employees operating a forklift. An employer with uncertified employees operating forklifts may be fined thousands of dollars. The size of the fine may vary depending on the situation.

Getting Your Training

Now for the important part: what’s the best way to get your training? While there are a few ways to get your forklift certification, most new operators prefer to use online training. It takes you out of the classroom and gives individuals much more control over their learning – which many find beneficial to learning. As opposed to classroom learning, which is still available, but you have a lot less choice over what, when, and where – you have to show up when the classes are being held, and that’s not always achievable if you already have other responsibilities to cover.

It’s More Affordable

You’ll not get your forklift training for free, but you can find the best price. You’re most likely going to find cheaper prices if you go through online training, as you’re not taking up anyone’s time for the most part. Paying to attend classes requires a trainer to be present.

On top of that, you don’t have to worry about paying for transportation. The nearest classroom might be a long commute from you, which can be very pricey, especially if you have to take time out of your current job to reach it. It’s overall cheaper for you to get it done from home.

OSHA Forklift Training at Your Own Pace

A lot of the time, if you apply for classroom learning, you will be learning with others pursuing the same goal. While this can be great as a social thing, you’re limited to going at the same pace as everyone else, which isn’t always the best. If you’re a fast learner, you’ll want to be able to breeze through the course, and if you’re a slow learner – you don’t want to be left behind. With online OSHA forklift training, you can take all the time you need with your learning, and you may find that you can repeat what you’ve learned as often as you need to.

It’s also worth considering, as you’re completing it in your own time – that you can complete it as many times as it takes to pass. Even if you don’t happen to pass on the first try, you’ve got unlimited opportunities to get things right. It won’t cost you more, and a high-quality online trainer provides plenty of resources to finish your course well.

When You’re Available

Not everyone can be available at all hours of the day, and you might have trouble finding a classroom trainer who provides training at the same time you’re free. This can be troublesome for many looking to learn a new skill, which is why getting your training online is so convenient. You’ll have access to your training anywhere and any time so long as you have access to a suitable device and an internet connection. You can even complete your training using your phone.

From An Employer’s Perspective

Whether you’re an employer or an employee looking to get the right training, you might worry that online training isn’t compliant like traditional training. High-quality online training providers can provide compliant training to your forklift operators just as well, if not better than traditional means of training.

Less Time From the Workday

If you operate a busy work environment, having employees take time off to complete training can complicate things. Alternatively, online training can make it much easier to work when there’s free time, making it easier for you to get people trained without affecting your daily operations.

Overall

You can’t go into the field without getting OSHA forklift training, and you would have trouble finding an employer who would even consider allowing you to. Online forklift training is available to anyone who needs or wants it for an affordable price, which works out cheaper and more convenient for both employees and employers.