Forklift Truck Training Course
In order to be given certification as a lift truck driver, you have to undergo training on an industrial-powered lift truck, or forklift. The training course must be specific to the lift truck attachments and type which you would be using on the job site. Training should also reflect the setting wherein you will be working. Forklift safety must be a top priority for both the trainer and the operator trainee.

General Qualifications
Anyone operating a forklift must undergo training and certification before assuming operator duties. Basic qualifications for operating a forklift include being at least eighteen years old and the physical capacity to operate and control the unit safely.

Pedestrian Safety
The main concern of any lift truck driver must be the safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians near the lift truck are at risk of death or injury from getting hit by the machine or its additions. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and lift truck operators must honk their horns when working at intersections or crosswalks or near pedestrians.

Weather Conditions
Lift truck mishaps usually happen on loading docks. These areas become dangerous if rain leaks in through open dock doors causing an extremely slippery floor. Wet floor conditions could result in a hazard and operators should know possible hazards when working in loading dock areas.

Certification
Lift truck certification courses include a combination of classroom instruction and practical training tailored to the particular requirements of the workplace. Training must be undertaken on the type of forklift and attachments which will be used by the trainee in the workplace.

Mishaps
On average, there is around 100 deaths attributed to forklift mishaps, while over 100,000 are injured by forklifts. Nearly all of these accidents can be avoided with proper operator training and attention to safety.