Have you questioned whether you “need a forklift certificate?” Well, to answer in one word, “yes.”
Whether you work for a small or large company, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, you must have a valid forklift certification to operate a forklift.
Their reasoning is simple – would you want drivers to drive cars without training and a driver’s license? Probably not, as that can lead to disastrous accidents.
Similarly, a forklift is a heavy piece of machinery, used to transport goods and material. One mistake can not only damage the forklift and what it is carrying, but it can hurt the forklift operator and nearby bystanders.
With proper forklift training and certification, however, forklift operators will know how to correctly, safely, and efficiently operate a forklift – and most importantly, prevent accidents, injuries, and death. For instance, at American Forklift Training Centers, INC., students will learn how to load and unload, stack and unstack, steer and maneuver, inspect and maintain, as well as other forklift skills to achieve this goal.
In addition to the above, there are other benefits to obtaining your forklift certification, including:
1) Certified forklift operators earn more than non-certified forklift operators – as they’re legally operating a forklift. On a side note, OSHA penalizes companies that allow employees to operate a forklift without a valid forklift certification. These penalties comes with expensive fines (and increasing annually):
Serious violations can cost you $14,502 per violation!
Failure to abate violations can cost you $14,502 per day beyond the abatement date.
AND…willful or repeated violations can COST you $145,027 per violation! (That’s right, six figures!)
Source.
In fact, if a company allows an uncertified employee to operate a forklift and then an accident results, their insurance company may refuse to pay the claims, consequently leading to fines, expensive lawsuits, and potentially the necessity to file for bankruptcy.
2) Given the importance and necessity of forklift operators holding a valid forklift certification, having your forklift certification will make you more marketable for forklift and warehouse positions. Accordingly, if you earn a forklift certification in more than one type of forklift, you’ll increase your chances of standing out against your competition and can land a better and faster job. On another note, upon receiving your forklift certification from our school, we will provide you with the tools, resources, job assistance, and connections to confidently know how to perform your job and help you find a career. We’ve partnered up with hundreds of companies and hiring agencies, and upon receiving your forklift certification from us, we will send your information to the companies and agencies hiring in your area!
3) As you may know, the more you know, the more valuable you are for a company. Accordingly, even though your position may not require forklift operations, if your company or department does utilize forklifts, you will be considered more valuable for having this added skill.
As you can see, earning your forklift certification in one or more forklifts provides many benefits. To learn more, take your first step and Contact Us Today!