COURSE
Forklift Operator Training
Course Overview
Forklift Operator Training prepares participants to operate powered industrial trucks safely and competently in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), applicable regulations, and relevant CSA standards.
The course addresses legal responsibilities, hazard recognition, equipment limitations, and safe operating procedures, helping employers reduce the risk of injuries, property damage, and product loss.
Duration:
Theory Training
- New operators: Approximately 8 hours
- Experienced operators: Approximately 4 hours
Practical Evaluation
- 15–25 minutes per experienced operator
- Additional supervised operating time required for new operators (see prerequisites)
Actual duration may vary based on participant experience, lift type, and the number of lifts being trained on. For an accurate estimate, please contact Workplace Medical Corp. (WMC) for consultation and a customized quote.
Delivery Options:
Forklift Operator Training can be delivered:
- Onsite for employers
Course Content
1
Theory
Participants receive instruction covering:
- Written knowledge evaluation
- Legal requirements under the OHSA and applicable industrial regulations
- Operator and employer responsibilities
- Pre-use inspection requirements
- Load capacity, stability, and counterbalancing principles
- Safe lifting, transporting, and placing of loads
- Forklift controls and basic operation
- Common hazards and risk factors
- Forklift stability and tip-over prevention
2
Practical Evaluation
Practical evaluation focuses on safe, competent operation and includes:
- Equipment inspection
- Safe driving and maneuvering
- Load handling and placement
- Operator skills assessment
Practical evaluations are conducted using the equipment the operator will use in the workplace, where possible.
Prerequisites and Operator Experience
All operators must complete theory training prior to the practical evaluation. New operators are also required to have a minimum of 8 hours of documented, supervised operating time under the direction of a competent supervisor before participating in the practical evaluation.
If required operating time cannot be completed in advance, additional coaching time may be scheduled prior to evaluation.
Important: Forklift masts must be inspected annually by a qualified third party and deemed safe for operation prior to training.
Equipment Types Covered
Training can be provided for the following forklift classes, depending on workplace equipment:
- Class I – Electric Motor Counterbalance Rider Trucks
- Class II – Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
- Class III – Electric Motor Walk-Behind and Rider Hand Trucks
- Class IV – Internal Combustion Engine Counterbalance Lift Trucks
- Class V – Internal Combustion Engine Counterbalance Lift Trucks
- Class VI – Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Tractors
- Class VII – Rough Terrain Forklifts (e.g., Zoom Boom)
Lift codes for each forklift must be provided in advance to ensure appropriate training and evaluation.
Who Should Attend
This course is intended for:
- New forklift operators
- Experienced operators requiring evaluation or refresher training
- Supervisors responsible for forklift operations
- Employers seeking to verify operator competency
Contact Us To Get Started
Please complete the form below to confirm course availability or to discuss custom delivery options for your team.
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