How Forklift Training and Certification Benefits You?

Admit it, driving a forklift looks totally cool! Just by staring at it, there’s this idea that it would not take you hours to learn to operate the vehicle. But how really hard is it to operate a forklift? Why would others go for an extensive training just to get certified? Like few are spending few hundred bucks out of their pockets just for a piece of paper? Would it be an advantage if you are certified? Like can you land a job easily? Where should you go if you plan to get certified?

The Dangers of Forklift or Powered Industrial Truck

Forklift is also known as a powered industrial truck. Their main function is to definitely move materials. Other than that, it can also be used to raise, lower, or remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers. Powered industrial trucks can either be ridden by the operator or controlled by a walking operator. These trucks can really make your life easy while on the job.

But even though it can somehow alleviate your dilemma on heavy objects, it can also cause you a lot if you are careless. Fact is, there are different types of powered industrial trucks. Each type presents different operating hazards. Take for instance, a sit-down counterbalanced high-lift rider truck is more likely than a motorized hand truck to be involved in a falling load accident because the sit-down rider truck can lift a load much higher than a hand truck. Workplace type and conditions are also factors in hazards commonly associated with powered industrial trucks. For example, retail firms often face greater challenges than other work sites in maintaining pedestrian safety. Other than that, many workers can also be injured when:

• lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks;
• lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trailer;
• they are struck by a lift truck;
• they fall while on elevated pallets and tines.

What to Do to Reduce the Hazards Associated with Forklift

In California, companies with employees who operate forklift must undergo training from numerous training agencies before they can operate the heavy equipment as required by OSHA. All operators, whether new or experienced, must take the training and prove their competence. Or if you’re someone who is looking for a new career in this field, having a forklift license or certification can dramatically increase your chances of landing a job. Taking your certification only takes a small amount of your time and minimum fee to get licensed.

Just a reminder, it is a violation of Federal law for anyone UNDER 18 years of age to operate a forklift or for anyone OVER 18 years of age who is not properly trained and certified to do so.

Where to Get Certified

There are numerous agencies and consulting firms offering a Forklift Training Certification. One of those firms that are highly recommended is PCS Consultants, Inc.

With one of the largest selections of workplace safety and operator training programs, PCS Consultants, Inc. prides itself on providing customers with the right solution for any application. Specializing in forklifts and aerial equipment, such as boom lifts and scissor lifts, PCS Consultants, Inc. is dedicated to providing industry-leading safety training solutions. Its Forklift Certification Training will give participants the knowledge, skills, and tools to operate forklifts. Their certified instructors have years of experience, giving you the best training, using a combination of lectures, video, group discussions, and hands-on activities. For many years, their instructors have been providing in-depth Forklift Certification Training. Everything they do is backed by their 30 years of combined experience and our hands-on approach. When safety is at stake there is no room for compromise, so they strive to maintain the highest standard of accuracy, quality, and profession.

At PCS Consultants Inc., they set for the theoretical training to impart the following knowledge:

• knowledge of the legal bases
• knowledge of accidents
• knowledge about the structure and function of a forklift
• knowledge of drive systems
• knowledge of stability
• knowledge of audits of the forklift
• knowledge about the handling of load
• knowledge of special operations
• knowledge of traffic routes and rules

With this practical training, PCS Consultants, Inc. aims to provide the following knowledge.

• Knowledge of the daily operational test
• Knowledge of picking up the load
• Knowledge of the risk areas of the forklift
• Knowledge about leaving the truck
• Knowledge of driving and stacking (e.g., high-bay)
• Knowledge of the practical use of different types of bearings

PCS Consultants, Inc. has been in the industry for more than three decades providing excellent training services to different industries. This includes, but not limited to, Human Resource Consulting, Business Consulting, Safety Services, Onsite Training, Compliance Training, Forklift Training and Certification, Staffing and Recruitment, Call Center Service, Leadership Training, among others.

So are you an authorized forklift operator?

Get certified now!