Forklift Training: The Path To A Rewarding Career
In today’s business world, forklift operators have become an integral part of companies throughout the world to maintain efficient and well-organized warehouse environments, distribution centers, and storage facilities. In order to pursue this rewarding career, you must acquire the proper forklift training and certification. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does require that all individuals who operate a forklift must be thoroughly trained and certified. This training typically covers key instructions and warnings for the use of forklifts, while providing you an opportunity to receive hands-on experience operating a forklift in a monitored environment. After completing your training, you’ll be ready to sit for the OSHA forklift certification exam to become fully certified.
Forklift Operator Key Duties
Forklift operators generally operate equipment that moves large or heavy objects from one place to another location. Other essential duties of a forklift operator include taking inventory of specific items that are being moved and labeling them, as well as keeping an accurate record of inventory. Some forklift operators may be required to load or unload trucks as well. With the proper forklift training, you can create a rewarding and challenging career for you.
OSHA Forklift Training
Forklift Training Guide
OSHA currently mandates that individuals who operate a forklift must be thoroughly trained according to their standards. OSHA guidelines does require that all forklift training must include both in-class and hands-on practical training. Currently, online forklift training by itself is not sufficient to meet OSHA standards. Training students to safely operate a forklift is the main focus of OSHA forklift training programs, which are designed to reduce possible work-related injuries.
OSHA forklift training is facilitated by an experienced and qualified forklift safety trainer at various locations throughout the country. During the training, you will be familiarized with how to properly operate and control the equipment in a safe way. Most training modules also include how to handle different types of work situations to avoid injuries, how to handle emergency situations, and how to properly check the equipment.
Forklift Training School
Forklift operator training can also be acquired through a vocational school or through employer-sponsored training. Students who attend a vocational school also learn how to operate a forklift and how to perform basic maintenance and repairs. Employer-sponsored courses are typically taught by companies that specialize in OSHA forklift training. These one day courses are generally instructed at the work site. Online courses are also available for students that are not able to attend a vocational school or do not work in a place that offers forklift training. However, keep in mind OSHA does require that forklift training must include both in-class and hands-on practical training, so online training alone is not sufficient to meet OSHA standards.
Most employers now prefer to hire forklift operators that are OSHA certified because of their enhanced knowledge of forklift operations. Some employers do offer OSHA forklift certification training that can be completed within a few months of hire or may require a new hire to become certified by attending an outside course. OSHA forklift certification does last for three years and must be renewed by taking a certification refresher class.
In order to become OSHA certified, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, have completed forklift training from an OSHA approved training course, and have also successfully passed the
OSHA forklift certification exam.
Forklift Operator Salaries & Career Opportunities
Recent reports from The Bureau of Labor Statistics have indicated that there were about 568,275 forklift operators in 2011, earning an average wage of about $15.02 per hour, or $31,240 annually. Forklift operators in the top 10 percent made about $21.67 hourly or $45,070 annually, while forklift operators in the lowest 10 percent made $9.89 hourly or $20,570 annually.
Predictions from The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reveal that a substantial number of forklift job opportunities will be created due to the need to replace workers that have transferred to other jobs, retired, or have left the occupation for other reasons.
Currently, there are many forklift job opportunities that are available for various shifts and within different environments like warehouse and storage facilities, and distribution centers. Full-time work typically offers benefits that include paid vacation and holidays, health insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Part-time and seasonal work is also available.
While the need for forklift operators is projected to rise, they will definitely continue to play an integral role for companies throughout the world. Forklift training is an opportunity for you to become part of this growing occupation, while walking the path to a rewarding career.