Why Should You Become a Forklift Operator?Did you know that the forklift operator position is one of the highest paid in the warehousing industry? This is because it’s a position that requires certification, which results in the starting wage being much higher than other roles due to the upfront work. Not only does a forklift certification set you apart on the job hunt, it can also provide job security. With last year's increase in e-commerce sales, forklift operators have been and will continue to be in high demand, meaning you'll always have work, or be able to find work. Tip: due to the fact that forklift jobs are higher paid, consider starting as a warehouse associate and make it known that you are interested in forklifts. If you show reliability as an employee (on time, no missed days, good performance, great safety record, etc) it will open the door to new opportunities. What Are The Steps to Becoming a Forklift Operator?Obtaining your forklift operator's certification takes time and effort but pays off in the end. To become a certified forklift operator, your first course of action is to complete an OSHA-approved certification course. These are offered by many vocational colleges and private companies. Courses usually take about 6-8 hours, and usually cost less than $200. There are typically four parts of a forklift operation course.
Obtaining a forklift operation certification doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be driving a forklift on your first day, though. Companies are required by OSHA to verify your skills, as forklifts are powerful pieces of equipment that can damage facilities or lead to serious injuries. As a result, each company will usually provide additional training to ensure everyone’s safety and acclimate you to operating in their specific location. What Does a Forklift Operator Do?As a forklift operator, you can expect to move heavy materials using powerful industrial equipment and machines. This might take place in a factory, at a construction site or in a warehouse. In fact, because there are so many different uses for forklifts, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has categorized seven classes of forklifts. The 7 Classes of ForkliftsClass 1: Electric Motor Rider Truck This type of lift is very versatile. Its tires are intended for use in a warehouse with smooth floors, and Class 1 lifts with pneumatic tires can be outside in dry weather. Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck Class 2 forklifts are primarily used in warehouse settings. When a company is looking to save on storage space, they might utilize the narrow profile of Class 2 forklifts to minimize the area needed to navigate the vehicle. Class 3: Electric Motor Hand or Hand-Rider Truck These forklifts are primarily used for unloading pallets and other large, heavy items. Their controls are mounted on the tiller, which helps lower, lift, and steer the forklift. Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Cushion Tires Class 4 forklifts are for transporting pallets indoors. Because their cushion tires are smaller than their counterparts, they're better suited for low-clearance operations. Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Truck - Pneumatic Tires These forklifts are both incredibly powerful and versatile. Pneumatic tires allow for them to be used indoors or outdoors, and their high lift capacity allows them to handle loads as small as a single pallet to as big as a fully-loaded 40-foot container. Class 6: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors These vehicles, which can be outfitted with either an electric or gas engine depending on the job. Battery-powered vehicles tend to be better for indoor environments, as it improves air quality and is quieter, whereas the robust internal combustion engines are more suitable for outdoor use. Class 7: Rough Terrain Forklifts These forklifts, which are equipped with large tires, are most commonly used at construction sites where the terrain is less predictable and subject to the elements. It's important to consider what kind of work you want to do as a forklift operator. When you look for a certification course, do research to know whether they'll be equipped to train you for that kind of forklift. Summit Staffing: Find Forklift Jobs in the MidwestForklift operating jobs are currently in high demand and offer competitive pay. So, once you have your forklift operator's license, check out our latest job listings for forklift operators in the Midwest.
Additionally, becoming a warehouse associate is a great first step toward becoming a forklift operator. When you demonstrate your value to a company through outstanding work and reliability, they’ll be willing to train and invest resources in you. Let Summit Staffing help match you with your next warehouse job in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin for a prosperous future! We specialize in the light industrial market, so whether you are looking for general labor, forklift, machine operating or more, we'll work one-on-one with our associates to make sure we have the right fit. Check out our office locations or contact us to learn more!
8 Comments
1/21/2022 10:11:05 am
I am grateful that this post highlighted that when looking to become a forklift operator, it is advisable that we undergo the safety training. It makes sense as in doing so, it ensures that the contractor is efficient and competent to operate the forklift. Since I need a contractor hired, I will definitely remember to consider and be mindful that they are well-trained and certified.
Reply
1/24/2022 09:09:20 am
My friend has been having a hard time transporting things around his warehouse, and he's not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that he might want to get a forklift for that! That seems like a great way to ensure that he handles everything properly.
Reply
2/28/2022 01:18:06 am
best article helped with good knowledge, developed the skills and certified by LSC
Reply
4/14/2022 09:34:17 am
It really helped when you explained what it'd take to become a professional forklift operator. Last week, my cousin said he wants to take on a summer job and needs to get certified for it first. I believe your tips about how a forklift operation training course takes place could help my cousin, so I'll share them right now. Thanks for the advice on forklift operators and how they should get certified for their job.
Reply
5/22/2022 09:44:53 am
I'm Looking to become a certified fork lift driver has been a desire for quite sometime and I'm getting older so my goal is to turn this desire into a reality.
Reply
I totally agree when you said that forklift operators would be moving heavy materials using pieces of equipment that are powerful. I guess that means that electric forklifts for sale would also be as strong as those gas-powered ones. In that case, it would be best for operators or people planning to work in that industry to be trained and educated for their safety as well as their colleagues.
Reply
9/28/2022 10:56:41 pm
Gladstone Training Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers friendly and flexible training for the Construction, Mining,
Reply
12/20/2022 01:28:58 pm
It was interesting to me when you mentioned that forklifts move heavy materials using strong industrial equipment. I would imagine that forklifts need to be transported by heavy equipment specialists because of the machinery that they utilize. You would want to transport a forklift properly so that the industrial machinery doesn't get damaged.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2023
Categories |