Forklift licenses and such

Jon Anderson · 2015-10-09T06:36:32+00:00

From summer 1974 through 1976, I worked at NASA Ames Research Center, high school and college work exp. I had a US Federal Government drivers license for light truck and forklift to 5t. In every other job I held in the states, I was merely asked if I could drive a forklift, or it was just assumed I could. Drove around at work here a good 8 months before someone thought to ask me if I held a NSW forklift drivers license. Was told it was an on the spot fine of several grand for me, even more for my employer, if Work Cover happened by and asked for a license I couldn't produce! Having been bought by a large AU corporation, things like this are being cleaned up, and most of us that didn't have one now do. Made me curious though, how many states in the US issue forklift licenses? I'd never heard of any. Oh, it comes under the heading of High Risk Work here and can cover a number of things like cranes, etc. Related, I have tickets (certificate) now in Work, Health, Safety; Confined Spaces; and next weekend, will get my Working at Heights ticket. Will be getting Cert 3 in first aid and another ticket for emergency response team. Again, don't recall hearing of any such things in the States, outside of levels of training for first aid. Mostly worked in small job shops though. So, are these sorts of tickets/certs common in large companies there? Jon

Oct 09, 2015 23 Replies

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Larry Jaques 10 years ago

Vodka warehouse? OK, that entirely explains the accident.

Sobriety might have worked, too, but cemented pipes as leg protectors would have been the best bet.

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Jon Anderson 10 years ago

Don't know the details, but yeah. Not so surprised it happened once, but to happen a second time?

Jon

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Larry Jaques 10 years ago

Death wish, or stoner? I'd imagine the insurance company would be a bit miffed at the guy, as well as your OSHA-equivalent guys there.

Question: Is he still employable, and employed by that contractor?

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Jon Anderson 10 years ago

Just not paying attention, and yeah, still working for the same contractor far as I know. This is a strange sort of small crane. Vehicle steers by hinging in the center, boom pivots from the back. Short lift range, but pretty mobile. Power lines cross a temporary dirt road built for construction access. My understanding is that he brushed one of the lines while driving underneath, so momentary contact. No damage to the crane.

Jon

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