Forklift operator
How do you become a certified forklift operator? You will need to take an approved course or program and then be tested in order to be certified. There are many schools and training programs available and even ones that are set up for illiteracy. There are even forklift operator courses you can take online.
Do you really need to take a forklift operator training course? According to the OSHA guideline you must be certified and part of that certification must include improved training. Any forklift operator, no matter the industry with the exception of agricultural operations must be trained and certified. If you have already taken a forklift operator training course you will still need periodic refresher training at least once every three years.
If a forklift operator is involved in an accident or a near-miss incident, the operator has been observed operating the forklift in an unsafe manner, the forklift operator has been determined during an evaluation to need additional training, there are changes in the workplace that affect safe operation of the truck or the forklift operator is assigned to operate a different type of truck they will require further safety training.
What are some of the job conditions or tasks a forklift operator might perform? Here is a list of possible job duties and job areas.
• Forklift operators can work in warehouses, timber yards or with shipping containers.
• A forklift operator might:
- Lift, and stack articles and materials
- Move raw materials and finished goods to processing or dispatch areas
- Make sure goods are stored in the correct area
- Load transport vehicles, making sure loads are evenly and securely placed
- Service and make minor adjustments to the forklift
- Keep a record of daily operations
