Becoming a Forklift Operator
Forklift operators are a key part of a warehouse team. However, no two forklift jobs are created the same. For instance, operators working on rough terrain will have a completely different day-to-day experience than a worker operating a forklift in a frozen food distribution warehouse. The only constant from job to job is that you will be getting paid for operating a forklift.
That being said, many of the qualifications, certifications, and experience necessary for becoming a forklift operator are the same across different industries. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are the Preferred Qualifications to Become a Forklift Driver?
When it comes to qualifications to become a forklift driver, it will differ between employers. Generally, not much experience is required. Forklift operators need a high school diploma or GED. Employers also typically won’t consider candidates who are not forklift certified.
This is because unlicensed forklift operators can cost the company serious money in injuries, lost productivity, lawsuits, and OSHA fines. Allowing uncertified workers to operate forklifts could even lead to the business being shut down altogether. Some on-the-job industry-specific training will be provided. General forklift certification is usually needed though.
It is also a good idea to keep in mind that warehouse workers, forklift operators included, also have to do a certain amount of heavy lifting on the job. You will be responsible for unloading products, tracking inventory, and moving materials.
How Can I Obtain an OSHA Forklift Certification?
Certification is the key to being a top candidate for forklift jobs. Employers know the importance of safety in the workplace. So, obtaining an OSHA forklift certification should be your first step in pursuing a career as an operator. To do this, you need to find an OSHA-compliant forklift training course.
You can take the course online or in-person and certification costs between $50 and $200. If your employer is paying for the courses, this will be covered. Online courses are often more accessible for many people and can go more quickly than in-person classes. After taking the course, you will need to take a skills evaluation. Once you pass that, you will have your certification.
You will also need to get re-certified on a regular basis. Make sure you are aware of when your licensure expires and retake courses as needed.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Forklift License
OSHA requires forklift certification courses to have three parts: theory, practical training, and skills evaluation. Some training courses say they can certify you within a few hours. It’s a good idea to stay away from these types of programs. A quality forklift license course will take one or two days.
Importance of Forklift Safety Compliance
As mentioned above, not being certified can cause serious implications for a company. OSHA can charge the business serious fines if operators are not properly certified. Not to mention, it could reflect poorly on their organization and have other serious implications. Allowing unlicensed operators to drive forklifts can lead to injuries and even fatalities.
It will also reduce downtime in your organization. OSHA-certified forklift drivers will ensure the equipment is working properly, follow procedure, and make sure everyone on the job is safe. On top of that, everyone else on the job will be more confident about their safety in the workplace when they know their coworkers are certified.
What Does a Forklift Driver Do?
No forklift job looks the same. Forklift operators work in a multitude of different industries, usually in a warehouse setting. Depending on each driver’s job, in particular, the duties and work environment of a forklift operator can vary wildly. There are a few things that carry over from industry to industry for this job though.
Job Duties
The biggest responsibility of a forklift operator is to successfully maneuver a forklift safely in a warehouse or industrial environment. Other common job duties include safely stacking and unstacking goods, unloading deliveries, ensuring work areas are clear of obstructions, checking equipment, and staying up to date with your certifications.
Work Environment
The work environment will largely depend on who you are working for. In general, safety is an important part of being a forklift operator. That being said, a typical shift for a forklift operator is between eight and nine hours. It is important that you aren’t overworked or tired on the job. Operating machinery like a forklift can be dangerous for you and others if you aren’t paying close attention. Employers tend to put a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of their employees to make sure accidents don’t happen on the job.
Physicality
Forklift operators will also have to perform a certain amount of manual labor. Some lifting and moving of materials and goods may be required. An average of between 20 and 40 pounds may
need to be lifted on a day-to-day basis. You will also need to stay alert on the job and may need to be on your feet or walking part of the time.
Important Skills
On top of being certified and having some experience in an industrial setting, there are some key skills needed to become a forklift operator. Obviously, you need to be able to drive a forklift and move a certain amount of weight. There are other skills needed to perform well on the job that people don’t always consider.
Oftentimes, they need to be able to work long hours in cramped quarters. Oftentimes, they are required to keep track of stock and inventory as well. You will need to have adequate knowledge of storage procedures for the product you are working with. Each of these things will need to be performed while working with others and communicating instructions to ensure safety.
Forklift operators also need to stay up to date on all of the industry knowledge. When OSHA changes are made, they should feel a sense of responsibility to learn about the changes and take any necessary steps to be in compliance. The following three skills are also important for forklift operators.
Spatial Awareness
When you are moving items using a forklift, spatial awareness is important. Generally, you will need to demonstrate some kind of spatial awareness in order to pass your forklift certification courses. These skills will be assessed during the test portion of the certification class.
Attention to detail
Attention to detail is another soft skill forklift drivers should have. When stacking large quantities of heavy objects, a small error could lead to huge loss in a product, injury, and even death. You will also need to be detail-oriented when you are going over machines each day checking for wear and tear. Letting a worn part or problem with the equipment go unnoticed could also cause serious problems in the workplace.
Teamwork
Warehouse workers are usually part of a larger team. Forklift operators will have to work with other employees on the job. To successfully do this, you must have some teamwork skills. You will need to collaborate with other members of the staff to safely transport items and load/unload deliveries. Being able to demonstrate quality communication skills is key.
Salary Expectations for Forklift Operators
Receiving a forklift operating certification can open up various career opportunities. Most forklift operator positions are 40 hours a week, though part-time forklift drivers are often sought-after around the holiday season to address the increased demand.
Most entry-level forklift jobs start around $13 per hour. Hourly rates vary between $10 and $20 though. Overtime is available for some positions and, in most cases, employers pay time and a half for those hours. OSHA-certified forklift drivers tend to make more with the top 10% of earners that hold this job title landing around $55,000 per year.
Find a Forklift Driver Job in Dallas, TX with RPC Staffing Today
Working with a manufacturing employment agency like RPC Staffing can help you find a job as a forklift operator. If you haven’t already, our recruiters can give you information about getting OSHA certified and provide details about a career as a forklift operator. More than that, we can help you pinpoint opportunities in the area.
Many companies in the industrial setting work with agencies like ours to find quality employees. Our recruiters will work to find a job that is a good fit for your career desires, skills, and experience. Contact our manufacturing temp agency for help finding forklift driver jobs in Dallas today.
