7 Tips to Selecting The Best Forklift Training Provider

Forklift accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in warehouses and distribution centers. That’s why it is so important that your employees know how to properly operate a forklift. If they don’t, then they could be putting themselves and others at risk for serious injuries or even death. 

So what can you do about this? You should consider finding the best forklift training provider available. This way, you will have peace of mind knowing that all of your employees are trained on how to safely operate these machines before entering the warehouse floor.

7 Tips to Selecting a Forklift Training Provider

Here are seven tips to help guide your search for the best forklift training provider possible:

1. Make sure that their instructors have extensive experience operating lift trucks.
2. Ensure that their courses meet OSHA guidelines; this way you know that they are putting your employees in the safest environment possible.
3. Ask if they provide refresher courses, as well as initial certification.
4. Ask to see photos of their courses in action. This will give you an idea of the quality of training your employees receive compared to other providers in the area.
5. Make sure that they provide hands-on training. You want your employees to actually get in the forklift and practice what they’ve learned
6. Find out if there is an exam involved with obtaining certification.
7. Ask about any discounts offered for multiple students attending classes together.

Some other points to consider.

• Look at their safety record. Find out if they have they had any incidents or accidents with instructors, students or equipment.
• Make sure they have experience in your industry.
• Have they been in business for at least three years? The best training providers have a proven track record and will likely still be around after your employees complete the course.
• Ask them about training for other types of equipment, such as reach trucks and tow motors.

Remember that forklift certification does not simply affect your employees; it affects YOU as well.

Choose a provider who not only has experience in your industry, but also understands YOUR specific needs, because YOU are ultimately responsible for what happens to your employees after they have completed their training. In other words, you want a provider who will take your concerns seriously and wants to create a long-term relationship with you as a customer.

Check Out Their Facilities!

If possible, take a tour of the facilities to see how professional the courses look. Here is what you should be looking for:

• Does their business look well organized?
• During class, are students well-instructed and closely supervised?
• Are there courses up to date? Is it a modern, tidy, and safe environment?

After all, you want your employees to be in good hands when it comes to the proper operation of the equipment. 

So, choose your forklift training provider carefully. Doing this may seem like a lot of work, but it is definitely worth the effort in terms of protecting yourself, your workers and your company's future. 

It will also give you peace of mind knowing that all your employees are properly trained to operate these machines. 

If you are still unsure how to find the best provider, ask for a reference or ask your insurance company for recommendations based on their experience with different training companies in the past.