How to Give Your Employees a Certificate After Forklift Training

OSHA guides the training of forklift drivers, but not their certification.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration doesn't require that you give employees a certificate after required forklift training, but it's one way to keep track of who is trained to operate the equipment. When an employee successfully passes the required testing and training, issue them a license to operate a forklift at your business. Keep track of the people who have completed the training in case requirements change after your course is complete and supplemental education is required.

Instructions

1. Create a template for certificate that includes the name of the person receiving it, your business name, the date it was given and the signature of the trainee and the person who trained them. Many templates are available online.

2. Fill in the certificate for each employee. Type in all the details and print it to give it a more professional, uniform look than if you'd filled in the blanks with a pen.

3. Sign the form. Ask the employee to sign the form.

4. Create a list of each person who has received forklift training. Write down the date each employee's training was completed.

5. Gather employees for supplementary training and create updated certificates if OSHA issues new forklift requirements. Update your master list of forklift certifications when each person completes the training.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that the training meets all OSHA requirements and requirements from your business before issuing a certificate. Forklift training must be done by someone with the knowledge and training to train and evaluate forklift operators, according to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l).

• Many online businesses offer employee certification for a fee.

• Repeat forklift training every one to three years.

References

• Safety Interactive: Forklift Training Manual
• Forklift Academy: Forklift Certification