OSHA Guidelines 1910.178 require that Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) operators, also known as forklifts, have formal training and be evaluated by their employer before using a forklift on the job.

It is mandated because forklift incidents are always in the top 10 OSHA violations. But a well-trained and certified operator will be safe on the job.

OSHA 1910.178 does not specify how a formal training class must be taken; The Forklift School provides many options.

Classes can be taken online or in person. We have training centers in some locations where new operators can learn to drive or take a class to obtain certification.

With our 20 years of experience and vast network of trainers, we can provide on-site training classes at companies anywhere in the USA.

When your company selects an on-site class, our trainer(s) not only comes to your facility to teach the required operator safety class, but our trainer(s) also conducts an operator evaluation for each type of lift at your location.

The Train-the-Trainer class is theory only and can be taught at your facility or efficiently using a Zoom Call Platform.

OSHA 1910.178 does not specify how a formal training class can be taken. In-person or online classes are both acceptable. Before you are authorized to operate the lift on the job, you must review the site safety rules and pass a driving test at the employer.

YES, many companies utilize computer-based training to comply with government regulations. The classes from The Forklift School exceed OSHA requirements and were developed by forklift trainers with over 20 years of experience.

YES! To be a "qualified person" or “forklift trainer,” you must understand safe operations and be able to identify hazards. Trainers typically have the experience necessary to train others. Our online classes can be computer-based or instructor-led, utilizing the Zoom platform. We also offer on-site courses for companies who prefer on-site or site-specific requirements.

Yes, upon completing the online test for the course, you will receive a digital license (PDF Download File) and an evaluation PDF form. In addition, The Forklift School provides a professional hard plastic license card with your image. Our system will direct you to a page allowing you to upload your photo for the license.

Your employer must evaluate you before you are authorized at the facility. If you move to a different facility, department, company, or lift type, you must be assessed before starting work per OSHA / ANSI requirements.

When The Forklift School provides any on-site training class, it includes the site facility evaluation per OSHA / ANSI requirements.

We have trainers nationwide who can train on-site. Our training counselors can help structure your site training to be cost-effective for your company. Travel costs are not increased, as we only pass along actual costs.

The cost of this training varies depending on the lift type, the number of students, and whether the class is on-site or online. Our friendly and experienced training counselors can help you receive the best deal for the class you require.

OSHA 1910.178 Guideline stipulates that Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) operators must be retrained every three (3) years. The Forklift School complies with this rule and places the class date on the license with a note that the license is valid for three (3) years from the class completion date.

OSHA Guidelines are a national standard. Your forklift license is suitable in all 50 states. However, some states have rules that may need to be followed; therefore, ensure you have our training information and your state guidelines.

NOTE: Most states follow the national OSHA / ANSI guidelines.