Article: Who needs a forklift safety card?

A forklift licence is an essential qualification for anyone working with forklifts or other warehouse machinery. It enables employees to demonstrate their competence in the safe operation of forklift trucks, which is important from the perspective of health and safety, legislation and employers’ requirements alike.

Although the law does not require a separate licence to operate a forklift truck, health and safety regulations and employers’ requirements make forklift training practically essential for most workers in the sector. Choosing the right forklift training course is important, as not all courses offer the same level of expertise or qualification.

When is a forklift safety card required?

A forklift licence is a requirement in many workplaces, such as warehouses, logistics centres, industrial plants and construction sites. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees operating forklift trucks have sufficient training and competence to use the equipment safely.

In practice, this means that without the appropriate training, an employee cannot operate a forklift truck as part of their job. Employers require a forklift licence when recruiting, and without one, employment opportunities in the warehousing and logistics sector may be limited.

Who is the forklift licence intended for?

The forklift licence is aimed at anyone who uses forklifts or other warehouse machinery in their work. It is particularly useful for the following groups:

Why choose the more comprehensive 7-hour forklift safety card course?

There are several different forklift licence training courses available on the market, but their scope and content can vary significantly. Most of the courses on offer last 3–4 hours and cover the basics of forklift truck operation and related topics.

The 7-hour forklift licence training course in our range is more comprehensive and provides a thorough introduction to operating a forklift. Its main benefits are:

  • Traficom’s professional competence certificate – Those who complete the training can also, if they wish, obtain a professional competence certificate approved by Traficom, which clearly distinguishes this training from more limited alternatives. This is a particularly important benefit for professional drivers who need to update their professional qualifications.
  • More in-depth instruction and a practical approach – The training covers the basics of safe forklift operation, forklift technology and workplace risks, as well as load handling and driving techniques, through practical exercises.
  • Improves employment prospects – A broader education and Traficom’s professional qualification make employees more attractive to employers who value thoroughly trained professionals.

Tip: Get your forklift safety card easily through online training! Our courses are available every day between 8am and 10pm.

What does forklift safety card training involve?

The training course lasts one working day (7 hours) and covers the following topics, amongst others:

  • Safe operation of forklift trucks and risk management
  • Legislation and the responsibilities of employers and employees
  • Forklift truck design, maintenance and inspections
  • Load handling and balance control
  • Forklift driving and control techniques
  • Risks in various work environments (e.g. warehouses, construction sites, industrial estates)
  • Anticipatory driving and accident prevention

At the end of the training course, an examination is held; participants who pass this examination will be awarded a forklift licence and a Traficom professional qualification endorsement.

Why is it worth taking a forklift licence course?

A forklift licence is not merely a formality; it equips employees with practical skills for the safe and efficient operation of a forklift. Once the training has been completed thoroughly, the employee will be able to operate a forklift truck correctly and recognise the associated risks, which reduces workplace accidents and ensures efficient working practices.

For employers, a trained workforce means lower health and safety risks, less damage to equipment and more efficient working practices. From an employee’s perspective, a forklift licence improves job prospects and may be a prerequisite for securing a job.

Summary


A forklift licence is an essential qualification in many workplaces, particularly in the logistics, construction and manufacturing sectors. Although the law does not require a separate licence, employers demand it from their staff, and without it, finding employment can be more difficult.

Jatkokoulutus.com’s 7-hour forklift safety card training course offers more comprehensive training than the more limited 3–4-hour courses and includes Traficom’s professional qualification endorsement, which makes it particularly valuable for professional drivers and other workers in the sector.

This training will give you an in-depth understanding of how to operate a forklift truck safely, improve your employability and enable you to meet employers’ requirements effectively.

📢 Sign up today and get your forklift safety card easily through online training!