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How Long Does Forklift Certification Last? OSHA Recertification Requirements
Forklift certification typically lasts up to three years according to OSHA 1910.178(l)(4)(iii). Performance must be evaluated at least once every three years to ensure safe operation.
Refresher training may be required sooner than the three-year mark in certain situations, such as if the operator uses the machine unsafely or in a way that leads to an accident or near accident, if they’re assigned to a different machine, or if the workplace environment changes.
Both initial training and recertification need to include three core components: formal instruction like lectures or videos, practical hands-on training, and an evaluation of the operator’s performance on the ground in the workplace.
This post outlines OSHA’s requirements for forklift operator recertification, including when it’s needed, who is responsible to ensure training is completed, and how to document it properly.
If you need to recertify your employees, we offer OSHA-compliant forklift training with a presenter’s guide and evaluation checklist to help facilitate in-house certification and recertification.
When Is Forklift Refresher Training and Evaluation Required?
While forklift certification generally lasts three years, OSHA standard 1910.178(l)(4) mandates that refresher training and a performance evaluation are required sooner if any of the following occur:
- The operator operates a forklift unsafely.
- The operator is involved in an accident or near accident.
- The operator must use a different type of forklift than they received training on.
- The workplace conditions change in a way that could impact forklift operation.
Who Is Responsible for Recertifying Employees?
Employers are responsible for ensuring their forklift operators are competent and can safely run the machinery. They need to verify and ensure that each operator has successfully completed the required training and evaluation components before operating equipment. If employees don’t have proper certification or recertification, they shouldn’t be allowed to operate forklifts unless under supervision during training.
Training and evaluation can be performed in-house or by a third party training provider. If an employer wants to keep it in-house, their trainers must have the knowledge, training, and experience to evaluate competence.
How to Recertify Forklift Operators
OSHA standard 1910.178(l)(2) breaks training into three components: formal instruction, practical training, and evaluation.
Formal instruction can be delivered through multiple formats, including videos, lectures, online certification courses, or written materials. Practical training has to involve hand-on demonstrations and practice, followed by an evaluation to verify that employees understand how to safely operate the machine.
Follow these steps to recertify your employees:
- Facilitate classroom training in-person or online. We offer an OSHA-compliant forklift certification kit that includes a video, slideshow, presenter’s guide, quiz, and evaluation checklist. It costs a one-time fee of $239 and can be reused as many times as needed. We also offer an online safety training subscription option.
- Provide hands-on forklift training. Employees who are being recertified likely already understand best practices, but a refresher on safe forklift operating procedures helps reinforce proper habits.
- Evaluate the operator’s performance. A knowledgeable employee can use our evaluation checklist to ensure that the forklift operator is following all necessary safety procedures.
- Issue a wallet card and certificate of completion. Our course comes with printable wallet cards and certificates of completion. This helps you document the latest training date and ensure you’re compliant with OSHA standards.
How to Properly Document Forklift Certification
It’s important to document training, not only to ensure it’s thorough and complete, but also so you know when employees’ forklift certification will expire and they’ll need to undergo retraining.
OSHA standard 1910.178(l)(6) requires that a forklift operator certification document must include the name of the operator, date of training, date of evaluation, and identity of the person facilitating the training and evaluation.
Penalties for Lack of Forklift Recertification
If you fail to properly certify or recertify your employees, you can face fines from OSHA. The maximum penalty for other-than-serious or serious violations is $16,550, with willful or repeated violations ranging from $11,823 to $165,514 per violation.
Purchase Our Forklift Training Course Today
Ensuring your forklift drivers receive thorough, OSHA-compliant training and timely recertification is fundamental to reducing the risk of forklift accidents and fostering workplace safety. Proper training minimizes preventable errors and injuries while also protecting valuable equipment, inventory, and, above all, your workers.
Investing in quality forklift certification training materials, like our comprehensive forklift safety videos, not only demonstrates your commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, but it also spares you, and your workers, from costly, devastating forklift accidents that could have been prevented.
