“Your Certification in One Hour!”
“Get a forklift License Today!!”
“Get forklift certified for free … today!”

Maybe you’ve seen offers like this and thought, “Well, that sounds to good to be true.” That’s because in this case, it is. The most blatant red flag is that forklift operators do not need a license, but a certification, to be OSHA-Compliant.

Furthermore, while it’s true that many providers, including Evergreen Safety Council, offer online forklift training courses, completion of an OSHA-compliant training course is only the first step to becoming forklift-certified.

OSHA, which sets and enforces workplace safety standards, requires prospective forklift operators to complete a three-step process before they are allowed to use one in the workplace.

Step by step breakdown:​

• Step 1: Completion of an OSHA-certified forklift training course, such as Evergreen Safety Council’s online Forklift Training course
• Step 2: Practical, or “hands-on,” training at your place of employment. Some in-person forklift training classes include a hands-on session with a forklift to familiarize you with forklift operation, but this step must also be completed at your worksite on each piece of equipment you’ll be operating. Your workplace training will include a tour of your workplace or job site, where you’ll be made aware of safety protocol and potential hazards. You will also receive hands-on training on the specific vehicle you will be operating. This gives you the opportunity to practice necessary hands-on skills prior to your evaluation.
• Step 3: Practical evaluation on the forklift you’ll be operating. Your trainer will evaluate your performance and certify you have the ability to operate the PIT properly and safely in your workplace.

You must complete all three of these steps to be considered “forklift certified.” Companies that allow uncertified users to operate forklifts are in violation of OSHA regulations, and risk being fined.

So, when an advertisement for “free” or “easy” forklift certification seems too good to be true, be sure to read the fine print. Online training courses can be affordable and informative, but they are only the first step toward becoming forklift certified.

One step at a time

Our online forklift operator training course satisfies the first step to becoming forklift certified. Our course provides quality forklift safety training, conveniently online! It is affordable, easy-to-use, mobile-friendly, and satisfies the OSHA “classroom” training requirement.

For practical training, Evergreen Safety Council has designed an instructor training kit that includes everything an employer needs to effectively train, evaluate, and certify their Forklift operators on the forklift they’ll be operating at work. Not confident you can teach your staff? If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, we can come to you and provide train-the-trainer mentorship.

*Note: Your PIT operator certification is good for a three-year period, unless there is a change in workplace conditions (including a change in job sites) or the vehicle to be operated. In these cases, you must be retrained and re-evaluated to ensure you can safely operate under these new conditions.