When obtaining your forklift certification from MSHA or OSHA, there are a few things you need to know. One of them is the difference between OSHA and MSHA. MSHA stands for Mine Safety and Health Administration, whereas OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Both organizations operate forklifts differently, so here is what to know about the MSHA forklift test certification.
The Difference Between OSHA and MSHA
OSHA and MSHA both authorize the operation of forklifts, but you utilize both differently. We’re all familiar with OSHA, and they are the powerhouse when it comes to maintaining the health and safety of working professionals. The MSHA is more centered around mining professionals, especially mine forklift use certification.
MSHA established itself in 1977, but it became exclusively for mining operations, while OSHA is regulatory for all operations. MSHA carries out all safety precautions through a federal act signed in 1977, which also helped set up a new act in 2006 that required improvements in mining areas and better emergency response time. For other information regarding OSHA requirements, reach out to your supervisor to obtain your certification for OSHA.
Regulations of MSHA Certification
Material for mining forklift certification updates frequently, and the call for certification is vital in a mining area. When taking this course, employers need to stay aware and updated on course material and current trends. Before you can administer a training program, you must create a plan approved by MSHA and performed by a trained individual.
Course Information
Anyone who handles material daily and is at risk of injury needs to complete this course. It will teach your workers vital information like safety precautions, hazard classifications, how to check their machines before and after use, and prevent injury. While it typically is completed online, we highly suggest holding classes in person, so you can ensure that everyone who needs certification is present. The MSHA mining forklift certification has no exact timeframe of completion, but when a student shows improvement, the employer can elect to give them their certification.
Recertify
Upon completion, you and your employer should know that recertification is required every twelve months. Otherwise, you’ll need to go through the training again. There is a refresher course to help update and refresh your memory on what to know to avoid dangers, how to inspect your forklift, and how to improve your knowledge by advancing your mining forklift skills.
The certification process will help improve the safety of all workers and employers. When employers look into what to know about the MSHA forklift test certification, they’ll find ways to help improve the skills of their mining workers.
