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What Are the Advantages of Forklift Certification?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

In many countries, forklift drivers must have a certificate before being allowed to operate this equipment. This means one advantage of forklift certification is that it helps companies make sure they are in compliance with the law. When not required by law, individuals who complete this training often find it helpful in obtaining industrial jobs, and these professionals are often paid more than their co-workers who are not licensed. Having a forklift certificate often results in increased productivity, fewer workplace accidents, and a reduction in product damage as well.

Many countries have a government agency that is responsible for overseeing industrial safety. In the United States, for example, this organization is known as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). This agency has statutes that govern forklift operation in warehouse and construction, often recommending or requiring people to have forklift certification before operating this equipment. By providing this training to their employees, businesses can make sure they are following the governmental guidelines. This could help them achieve better ratings on their safety inspections, which may help reduce insurance premiums.

Someone with forklift certification might be able to find a job in a warehouse.
Someone with forklift certification might be able to find a job in a warehouse.

Even though many companies offer forklift certification, people can sometimes receive a license through a formal training program. This can be helpful to those who are looking for warehouse jobs because they can demonstrate the skills needed in this line of work. These individuals are often chosen over other applicants because of this training. Another advantage to doing so is that workers who have a forklift certificate often earn more money than employees who are not licensed to operate this equipment.

A skilled forklift operator normally has fewer accidents.
A skilled forklift operator normally has fewer accidents.

Forklift certification can benefit both the employee and the company he works for by saving money for both parties. This is because a skilled operator normally has fewer accidents, which minimizes costs associated with hospitalization or time lost from work. A licensed driver is typically more productive than one who is untrained, and can complete his work with minimal damage to the merchandise he is loading or unloading.

People who are interested in forklift certification may want to check into a formal training program. The length of the course could vary based upon the type of forklift used in the instruction, number of students, and the experience level of each. Many require students to pass both a written and practical exam before receiving a forklift license. By completing one of these training programs, a worker will be ready to look for work as a forklift operator in a variety of industrial jobs.

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    • Someone with forklift certification might be able to find a job in a warehouse.
      By: tiero
      Someone with forklift certification might be able to find a job in a warehouse.
    • A skilled forklift operator normally has fewer accidents.
      By: Halfpoint
      A skilled forklift operator normally has fewer accidents.