Why Does OSHA Require Forklift Certification in Atlanta, Georgia?

It is no secret that OSHA won’t hesitate to fine an Atlanta, Georgia, company for failing to comply with their laws, but the question is why? More specifically, why does the Administration require that you obtain forklift certification if you want to drive a forklift in Atlanta or the surrounding areas? Let’s examine the reasons.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a branch of the Federal government that is concerned with workplace safety. Around 1970, Congress created an act to promote the safety of workers. The best way the government can do this is to create penalties for not following the laws that are put into place to protect workers.

So how does forklift certification fit into the picture? Well, the vehicle is a piece of heavy machinery, and failing to operate it properly can lead to damages, injuries, and even death. According to one study, the most common cause of accidental death was due to overturning the vehicle. If you are unaware of how to safely load the lift or drive the machine, this could easily lead to tipping.

According to that same study, getting proper online training certificates significantly reduced the number of errors that operators made. While not all accidents are caused by errors, a vast majority of them are, and knowing how to safely operate your the truck could just save your life or the life of a fellow coworker.

If safety isn’t motivation enough, which may be the case for many companies who are just looking to make a quick buck, the fines will surely deter Georgia employers from ignoring these laws. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, fines can start anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 per violation, and can increase or decrease based on several factors.

Basically, if you want to be an operator, it is in your best interest to get your required credentials. One of the bonuses, though, is that your license is not state-specific, meaning that it will be recognized in all of Georgia, the United States, and even Mexico and Canada. So head on over to our website at and enroll today.