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Forklifts are a workplace staple and they have been since the 1960s. They are a great tool for moving heavy materials safely and conveniently.

If you work in any of these industries, you likely can’t go one day without using a forklift:

• Construction
• Transportation
• Recycling
• Shipping
• Manufacturing

Of course, you can’t buy a forklift and just call it a day. This machinery can weigh as much as 9,000 lbs. That’s not to mention that forklifts have uneven weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, which can make the machinery difficult to handle.

To use the equipment correctly and maintain a safe work site, it’s vital to become forklift certified. According to OSHA, this training can reduce the risk of workplace accidents by 70%.

If you’re curious about what the certification process entails, we have provided a general outline to get you started!

Why You Should Get Certified

An untrained worker is more likely to become injured, cause accidents, and damage equipment. Forklift certification is also required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Because certification increases the safety of your workplace, it could save you hundreds of dollars each year. You will save costs on maintenance, repair, and workers’ compensation coverage.

A good pre-certification course will cover forklift safety, operating procedures, and laws.

Before taking a course, you might not know these safety guidelines:

• No untrained person may ride on the forklift
• No person may walk under elevated forks
• Workers may not fill the fuel tank while the machine is on
• Drivers must be 18 years or older
• Forklifts must be inspected daily
• Drivers must keep their hands and shoes clean when inside the vehicle
• Drivers must block the forklift’s wheels when parking on an incline
• Drivers must use spotters and rear-view windows when in reverse

There are also guidelines that dictate where to store fuel and charge batteries.

Each year, there are nearly 62,000 workplace accidents involving forklifts. Of these, more than half result in serious injuries and 85 result in death. To better understand the many safety guidelines, take RocketCert’s online course for forklift certification.

Requirements for Certification

The requirements for forklift certification are outlined by OSHA. But the details of these requirements may surprise you. For example, you don’t not need a driver’s license to qualify for forklift certification. Nor do you have to pass a hearing or vision exam.

Instead, you must display your competency through a written and observational exam. If you can prove that you understand the requirements and safety guidelines, you are eligible for certification.

To take a closer look at the requirements, visit the OSHA page of the Department of Labor’s website. Search for the standard number 1910.178 or the title “Powered Industrial Trucks.”

How to Stay Certified

Staying certified is easy, so long as you display safe behavior and avoid any serious accidents. If you follow all safety protocols, you only need to renew your certification once every three years.

An employer or OSHA inspector will conduct an evaluation. To prepare, it is a good idea to retake the certification course and learn about any changes to industry standards. While the equipment stays the same, the best practices for operation are adjusted regularly.

Changes in technology, workforce, and infrastructure can impact the way things work. A quick course review will get you up to date.

How RocketCert Can Help with Forklift Certification

Whether you run a construction site, oversee a warehouse, or manage a recycling center, forklift certification is a great way to prevent accidents.

RocketCert is in the business of keeping your workplace safe. We understand the process of certification and can walk you through it.

You will need to follow these steps:

• Attend a pre-certification course
• Display competency to an employer, OSHA inspector, or regulatory agency
• Apply for your license

The quickest and easiest way to obtain forklift certification is via an online course. This way, you will have quick access to educational materials. From there, you can move at your own pace.

RocketCert’s course will teach you everything from forklift laws to operating procedures and safety tips. When you are done with our course, you will be ready and eligible for a license.