Forklift Certification & Renewal: Staying OSHA Compliant

Operating a forklift safely requires training, but many operators and employers overlook an equally important step — certification and renewal. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets clear rules for training and evaluation to reduce accidents and liability. Here’s what you need to know.

What OSHA Requires

• Initial Training: All forklift operators must be trained and evaluated before operating equipment.

• Evaluation: Employers must observe and assess an operator’s skills in their specific workplace.

• Renewal: Certification must be updated at least every 3 years, or sooner if:

  • The operator is involved in an accident or near-miss.

  • Unsafe operation is observed.

  • A new type of forklift is introduced.

  • Workplace conditions change significantly.

Training Components

OSHA requires that training include both formal instruction and practical application:

1. Formal (Classroom or Online):

   • Equipment operation basics

   • Load handling and stability

   • Workplace-specific hazards

   • Safety rules and OSHA standards

2. Practical (Hands-On):

   • Driving, turning, lifting, and maneuvering under supervision

   • Demonstrating control and awareness

Record Keeping

Employers must document:

• Operator’s name

• Training and evaluation dates

• Trainer’s name

• Type of forklift used

Keeping accurate records is critical for OSHA compliance and legal protection.

Why Renewal Matters

• Skills Fade: Hands-on refresher training keeps safe habits sharp.

• New Equipment & Rules: Technology and regulations change.

• Insurance & Liability: Valid certifications protect both employer and operator if an incident occurs.

Tips for Employers

• Schedule renewal training proactively (don’t wait until the 3-year mark).

• Tailor training to your actual workplace conditions.

• Encourage ongoing safety culture with toolbox talks and refresher modules.

Certification and renewal aren’t just red tape — they’re proven to reduce accidents and injuries. Keeping operators compliant keeps your workplace safe and your company protected.

Tomorrow’s article: Staying Certified: CPR Renewal & Why It Matters.