Potentially, the forklift trucks are very dangerous machines in workplace setting, every year about 70 people are killed in transport related accidents in the workplace and around 8 of those involve lift trucks. Hence whether your business requires that you regularly have use of one or you are considering becoming a forklift truck driver as a career, it is important to realize that just like learning to drive a car, a license and proper training is necessary is required. It is important to ensure you undertake the training with a reputable company dedicated to providing quality and skilled training. A good training provider should be National Operators Registration Scheme (NORS) registered and provide Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) level accreditation.

Many reputed forklift truck companies offer driver training, or for a list of accredited training providers you can visit the RTITB website. Prices vary, but those who choose to run with fewer delegates on each course, while being slightly more costly, may offer a better experience. It is for that reason that everyone who operates a forklift should go through a forklift driver training course. In addition, it is an OSHA requirement that every operator must be a forklift certified. OSHA requirement aside, these training courses offer several benefits to the company. When a driver has been properly trained, there is a reduction in industrial accidents because workplace safety is improved. Training also reduces the amount of building damage caused by the forklift. There are many things that will be covered in the training session. Some instructors may choose to offer additional information and training while others may not address everything.

Things that will be taught during a forklift driver training session include center of gravity of the load as well as the truck, special hazards and controls, weight capacities and the capacity plates and pre shift inspections.

Different forklift classification will also be discussed during the training session. What is taught can vary somewhat by instructor but all instructors offering certification will cover all the requirements set up by OSHA. A more cost effective way of providing refresher training could be by online or E-learning. While this will never replace proper hands on training, it has a useful place in refresher training as you are only looking to remind staff of certain information and not provide a full training session. As well as possibly being more cost effective, it will demonstrate you have provided at least some training which you can evidence if you need to.

Forklift truck driver training is essential for safety purposes. Mostly people require at least a certain amount of training before they can start driving a forklift. This is due to the fact that forklifts can be quite dangerous machines if they are not in able hands. Having a forklift accident is quite likely because forklifts can be quite unstable machines. They can easily tilt over if the person driving them does not know how to operate them properly.