OH&S regulations have lead to the forklift training course becoming one of the most well attended heavy machinery courses in Australia. Find out why you need to complete one.

If you want to operate a heavy-load forklift in Australia, you’re going to need to take a forklift training course. The good news is that training is supported by the employment agencies, and many employers also conduct forklift training on-site.

You should understand that operating a forklift can be dangerous and care must be taken, which is why OH&S ( Occupational Health & Safety ) regulations have grown up in this area. Since 2010 it’s been a legal requirement of both employees and employers that operators are trained. It usually only takes 2 or 3 days, and there’s a refresher course available as well for people who already have experience. The refresher and retest program is a one-day course designed to give previously certificated forklift operators an update for renewal of their certification.

What does training include ?

A forklift training course is taught by a registered instructor and the company should be approved to hold the training. It includes :

1. forklift driver safety,

2. risk assessment,

3. necessary checks before operating a forklift,

4. work safety regulations and

5. after-shift maintenance.

Australian forklift training also covers carrying loads correctly, which is an important part of safe forklift driving.

The Assessment

Once the worker has gone through the written-assessment and completed the 52-question test, they are ready for the practical part. This is a live assessment, and is held in a safe environment provided by the training company or on-site. The behind-the-wheel training includes checks, load shifting and correct shut down procedures. A certified assessor will take the student through the test and make sure that they are able to operate the forklift safely.

The certificate is an endorsement that the forklift operator is able to perform their duties safely and efficiently. After it’s obtained they’re signed off for work. A forklift training course needs to be taken every five years, unless new regulations come into place, and employees need to take an extra update course.

Every driver and operator is obliged to take the course, and in some cases, the training takes place on-site. Some programs help students prepare for the test and involve classroom work; however, employers can choose to order the workbook and training material and sign their staff up for an assessment-only forklift training course to save money.

An intensive forklift training course is ideal for people with little or no experience driving a forklift, or employers who want to make sure that their employees will pass their exams. Regulations regarding training and certification should be followed, not only to avoid accidents, but also to make sure the company doesn’t receive fines for not providing a safe work environment for its employees.