Many potential forklift operators are curious to know whether there is a specific OSHA-approved forklift certification, and while the answer is Yes, it’s not in the way many people assume. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t “approve” specific forklift training courses or providers. Instead, it sets the standards that all forklift training should meet.
That way, employers will have enough guidance to ensure that all operators are properly trained and evaluated according to those standards. So, what should you know about this?
OSHA Sets the Standards Only
Just in case you have been wondering whether OSHA evaluates and endorses training courses, the answer is a solid No. OSHA does, however, define forklift training requirements. These include what a compliant training course should comprise and statements that hold employers responsible for ensuring that operators are properly trained.
So, an OSHA forklift rules-compliant course, like the one RocketCert provides, shouldn’t be translated as “OSHA Approved” or “OSHA Certified”. Instead, the word compliant means that the content in the course aligns with OSHA’s training standards for optimal safety.
Why Do Some Providers Use the Term “Certify”?
You might have come across the word “Certified” when evaluating courses. You shouldn’t interpret this as OSHA-Certified, since OSHA’s directions only require employers to “certify” that each operator is trained and evaluated, and then document that certification. Still, most people assume OSHA is the one issuing the certification whenever they see the word “certify” in the regulation.
In the right settings, however, the term “certification” means that the document is issued by a provider or employer to indicate that a worker has completed their training. So, the bottom line is that this document isn’t an OSHA-approved or OSHA-issued credential.
However, we can’t disregard the fact that some providers, unfortunately, use phrases like “OSHA-certified”, “OSHA-approved”, and “OSHA-accredited” in their marketing. Such claims are flat-out misleading, as this language is then replicated by sales reps and customers, spreading inaccurate information in the process.
So, Where Does OSHA Actually Come In?
Even though OSHA doesn’t approve or accredit any forklift training, it defines what compliant training should include, specifically under 29 CFR 1910.178. A complete forklift training course, according to these regulations, should have two essential parts: a general training part and a workplace-specific and practical training part.
● Part 1: General Training
This part contains the foundational knowledge that an employee needs to operate a forklift safely. It essentially covers topics like how forklifts work, load handling, stability basics, general hazards, and more. It can be delivered in a classroom setting or through online training and must include an evaluation to ensure that operators understand the content.
Many employers prefer to provide the first part of training through online courses, as these offer consistent, up-to-date instructions and aren’t subject to scheduling complexity and operational disruption.
● Part 2: Workplace-Specific Training
After employees complete the first sessions of their training, which are mostly theoretical, they then proceed to the second part, which has instructions specific to their workplace and the equipment they will use. This way, they will be able to apply what they have learned safely and correctly once they start working.
It’s highly recommended that training takes place at the workplace, using the exact types of trucks and attachments a worker will use once they start working.
The training must cover important elements like site layout, ramps, docks, racking, and workplace procedures. It should also include a practical evaluation to verify that a worker understands what they have been trained on.
Ready to Go? Start Your OSHA Training Today
Whether you are an employer or a potential forklift operator seeking to improve your employability, your desire to find the right OSHA courses means you appreciate the importance of top-tier safety in workplaces. With so many options to choose from, however, you have to take your time to ensure you make the right decision, which can be a long and tough process.
But if you want to get started right away, you should definitely check out RocketCert’s courses. Since these are expertly written and fully narrated, we can assure you that they do fit your style and needs.
