The Truth about OSHA Forklift Operator Training Requirements

Will online training certify me to drive a forklift or powered industrial truck (PIT)? Will online help me get a job as a forklift operator? Can I certify my employees to drive forklifts/PITs using only online courses on the safe operation of forklifts? How do I become a certified forklift operator? These are common questions; however, many myths and misconceptions surround the answers.

It's essential to know the truth: no online vendor can provide forklift operation certification. In this article, we clear the air and provide accurate and practical information to help you get the high-quality, compliant forklift training you deserve.

OSHA Doesn't Certify Training Providers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires forklift operators to undergo training and evaluation. While employers are responsible for "certifying" that their operators have been thoroughly trained and assessed, OSHA does not engage in the certification, accreditation, or approval of trainers or their training programs, online or offline. The only exception is OSHA's 10 and 30-hour outreach programs.

OSHA regulations assign the responsibility squarely onto the shoulders of employers. This means that it's up to employers to ensure their employees are adequately trained, evaluated, and ultimately certified. External training providers can affirm that their programs align with OSHA's stringent standards and confirm an employee's completion of such training.

Yet, it is solely the employer's responsibility to certify that employees are fully equipped with the appropriate training for their job duties and can safely execute these tasks. OSHA's stance is clear: "the employer shall certify."

OSHA Forklift Operator Training Regulations

OSHA splits forklift operator training into three integral components, ensuring a comprehensive educational journey:

• Formal Instruction: This foundational phase involves imparting essential knowledge through books, lectures, videos, software, or other materials. It's designed to provide the theoretical groundwork for operating a forklift and can be effectively completed online.

• Practical Training: Building upon the theoretical foundation, this phase demands hands-on instruction under the watchful eye of an experienced trainer. It includes live demonstrations and practice exercises directly on the type of forklift the employee will be operating, emphasizing skills that cannot be replicated or acquired online.

• Evaluation of the Operator's Performance: The final step in the training process involves an in-depth evaluation of the operator's ability to apply their learned skills in the workplace. This critical assessment must be conducted in person to ensure the operator's proficiency and safety compliance.

For those wanting to achieve "certified" status as a forklift operator, it's vital to recognize that online training alone cannot provide the full certification required. No online-only vendor can offer the practical training and performance evaluation necessary to meet OSHA's comprehensive certification criteria.

Formal Instruction

The foundational "classroom" element of forklift training can be conducted online. Courses offered by platforms such as HSI present a easy-to-access and economical route to cover a significant portion of the training syllabus. Nonetheless, OSHA mandates extend beyond digital learning to include practical, hands-on training and the direct evaluation of an operator's performance in their actual work environment.

These components, which requiring physical presence, cannot be fulfilled online. A qualified individual must conduct this in-person training and directly observe the forklift operation to ensure compliance with training standards.

OSHA embraces a broad perspective regarding who can serve as an evaluator. Essentially, any workplace individual possessing the necessary knowledge, training, and experience is qualified to provide this hands-on guidance and assessment (regulation: 1910.178(l)(2)(iii)). This inclusive definition eliminates any excuses for leaving employees untrained (learn more). With comprehensive online instruction from a reputable source and the expertise of an experienced on-site evaluator, every requirement for thorough training can be met efficiently.

This method allows operators to grasp fundamental concepts at their convenience while enabling employers to focus on imparting practical knowledge they are most familiar with. Employing this hybrid training model ensures the most thorough and cost-effective educational experience, minimizing time while maximizing skill acquisition.

Forklift Training FAQ

What are OSHA's forklift certification and training requirements?

OSHA outlines comprehensive criteria for forklift operator training and certification, emphasizing a blend of theoretical classroom learning and practical hands-on experience.

Dive deeper into the specifics of OSHA's forklift training requirements here.

The OSHA standard on powered industrial trucks is1910.178, part of General Industry. The section of the standard that pertains to training is 1910.178(l) and can be found here.

Why is training important?

Beyond being a legal obligation, training is instrumental in ensuring workplace safety. OSHA mandates comprehensive training and certification for all forklift operators, regardless of the frequency of forklift operation within their job roles.

Will online forklift operator courses certify me to drive a forklift?

No online platform alone can furnish you with the complete certification required for forklift operation. However, with HSI’s online training, you can offer a blended training approach that combines OSHA-compliant online and in-person classroom experience. This allows you to cover the theoretical aspect of your training efficiently, affordably, and at your convenience, laying a solid foundation to expedite your path to certification.

Do forklift operators need a certificate, wallet card, or other ID?

Given the absence of an official forklift operator training course and specific OSHA certification, forklift operators aren't mandated to possess any formal certificate or ID to validate their training. The onus is on employers to "certify" their workforce, ensuring each employee has been adequately trained and evaluated, with a comprehensive record of this training maintained by the employer.

However, it's common practice for employers to issue certificates, ID cards, badge stickers, or similar tokens upon an employee's successful completion of training. These tokens serve multiple purposes: they help monitor training completion across the workforce and underscore the employer's commitment to rigorous training standards.

Moreover, online and traditional training courses often provide certificates indicating the completion of theoretical training components. Such certificates can be invaluable for employees, showing current or future employers their readiness for practical evaluation and the final steps of certification. While not mandatory, these documents are crucial in documenting and acknowledging training efforts.

At HSI, we provide a printable certificate upon completion of our Forklift Operator training course, signifying successful completion. However, it's important to note that this certificate represents the achievement of course milestones and should not be construed as an official certification of forklift operation proficiency.

Do forklift operators need to be retrained every three years?

While OSHA mandates that operators' performance be evaluated at least every three years, refresher training is required only if this evaluation identifies a need for it.

The need for additional or refresher training is determined by specific circumstances, such as:

• Assignment to operate a different type of forklift

• Changes in the work location or alterations to the existing conditions

• Involvement in an accident or near-miss incident

• Observation of unsafe forklift operation

• An evaluation indicating unsafe operation practices by the operator

It is the recommendation of HSI’s Chief Safety Officer that refresher or additional training is provided regularly as a best practice for injury prevention.

How HSI Can Help

At HSI, we understand the complexities and requirements of OSHA forklift training. Our comprehensive training and development solutions include online courses designed to meet the formal instruction requirements for forklift operation. HSI supports employers in certifying their operators efficiently and compliantly.

HSI's training approach adheres to OSHA's mandates and fosters a safer, more competent workforce. By leveraging our resources, employers can confidently navigate the certification process, ensuring their operators are prepared to perform their duties safely and effectively.

In summary, while online training plays a crucial role in the certification process, it represents only a portion of the comprehensive training required by OSHA. HSI stands ready to support businesses in fulfilling these requirements, fostering safer workplaces across industries.

Looking for more online safety training courses to keep your employees safe? Click here to explore HSI's course library, with over 5,000+ online courses available.