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Forklift Training

OSHA-compliant operator and trainer certification, taught at your facility. Classroom theory plus hands-on driving on sit-down and stand-up forklifts.

Operator moving palletized freight with a forklift

Why Forklift Certification Is Required

OSHA Regulation 1910.178 requires every forklift operator to be certified. The training is site specific. A certification your driver earned at a past job does not carry over to your facility. Conditions differ from site to site. Even the forklifts may be a different brand.

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How a Training Day Runs

01

Classroom Theory

We teach the 1910.178 curriculum. It covers load ratings and stability: never exceed the forklift’s rating, and keep loads centered so the truck doesn’t tip. It also covers refueling and recharging by forklift type, loading dock procedures, and safety inspections.

02

Hands-On Operation

Every driver trains behind the wheel of both sit-down and stand-up forklifts, at your facility. That is what makes the certification valid for your site under OSHA’s site-specific rule.

03

Evaluation & Certification

Pass the evaluation and the operator is certified for three years. Some events can suspend it early. The FAQ below covers those.

What the Class Covers

  • OSHA 1910.178-compliant curriculum
  • Classroom theory plus hands-on driving
  • Sit-down and stand-up forklifts
  • Load ratings, stability and load centering
  • Refueling and recharging procedures by truck type
  • Loading dock procedures
  • Pre-shift safety inspections
  • Three-year certification on completion

Training also saves money. Trained operators have fewer accidents and destroy less merchandise, so the class pays for itself.

Operator and Train-the-Trainer Classes

We run two kinds of classes: operator classes and train-the-trainer classes. New trainers take both courses. That way they can teach by showing, not just from a binder. If your warehouse has steady turnover, the trainer track is worth a look. With your own certified trainer, you can certify new hires in-house instead of booking an outside class each time.

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Common Questions

Do forklift drivers legally have to be certified?
Yes. OSHA requires all forklift drivers to be certified, and many people don’t know that. The risk goes beyond the class fee. A forklift is heavy enough to topple your storage systems, destroy your inventory, and injure or kill anyone in its path. If the driver was not certified when it happened, your business can be fined on top of the damage.
My drivers were certified at their last job. Does that count?
No. Under Regulation 1910.178, training is site specific. Conditions at another job site are not the same as yours. Even the forklift brands can differ. Certification does not transfer between sites.
How long does the class take?
At least four hours, depending on class size and how quickly the group retains the material. We start classes at 8 a.m. so larger groups can finish within a single workday.
Can you train outside business hours?
Yes. Saturday or after-hours classes are available for an additional fee.
How long does certification last?
Three years. It can be suspended early after an accident, a near-miss, routinely unsafe driving, or a poor evaluation. The operator must then recertify.
Which forklift types do you cover?
Both sit-down and stand-up trucks, in every class.

All Warehouse Services

Warehouse Design Warehouse Installation Warehouse Relocation Permitting Boom & Scissor Lift Training Pallet Rack Repair Rack Repair Kit Warehouse Safety

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To find out more about how we can help you or to book an appointment or class, contact us today.

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