Case Study: Pallet Supply Chain & Logistics Yard
September 12, 2024
Australian forklift training courses are very similar to forklift training courses from other countries. However, they differ in the authority that issues the forklift driver’s licence.
In many other countries, it is the training centre or school that issues the licence. In Australia, it is the governing authority that issues the licence. Each Australian state has its own governing authority in terms of licencing regulation.
Operating a forklift is considered High-Risk Work (HRW) in Australia and so government agencies are strict when issuing a forklift licence.
Before they can be issued one, applicants must complete a forklift training course from a Registered Training Organisation or RTO. Read on to more about Australian forklift training courses.
Forklift training courses are beneficial to workplaces not only for compliance with the law but for the improvement of the main aspects of a company such as:
1. Health and Safety
Forklift driver training is a vital step to ensure a safe working environment. Proper risk assessment and awareness, the ability to safely operate forklifts in a busy workplace, plus the knowledge of safe driving tips are all part of forklift training courses.
2. Efficiency
A forklift training program can teach forklift operators how to be time and energy efficient when handling the equipment. Properly trained forklift operators are able to use their company’s time more efficiently thus increasing their productivity.
3. Productivity
Well-educated forklift operators are familiar with their equipment’s capabilities and features. They can complete tasks quicker and have higher productivity.
Proper forklift driver training is a vital part of workplace health and safety many employees and employers overlook.
Forklifts are a powerful and useful tool in warehouses and other workplaces. However, they are involved in many workplace accidents every year.
Allowing untrained or unlicensed staff to operate a forklift can open up many risks in a workplace including:
WorkSafe classifies operating a forklift as a high-risk work. And according to Safework NSW, a high-risk work licence is needed before someone can operate a forklift.
A forklift driver’s licence is currently divided into 2 (two) classes.
LO licence for an Order-Picking Machine. With this licence, the operator is only allowed to use a stock-picker/order-picker forklift.
LF licence for any Forklift Truck. This licence permits the operator to use any type of forklift except the order-picker machine.
However, an operator can have both the LO and LF licence as long as they have passed all the training and submitted all the requirements.
Completing a training course from an RTO is one of the necessary forklift certification requirements. No one is allowed to apply for a forklift driver’s licence unless he has undergone training from an RTO.
There are around 5,000 RTOs across Australia. In every state, there are many forklift training schools to choose from. It is wise for an applicant to do some research because the cost of forklift training course and the forklift training program vary from state to state.
After completing a forklift training course, you will receive certificates or documents from the forklift training school. The certificates must be submitted to your state’s issuing authority for the processing of your forklift licence.
Here’s the complete list of forklift certification requirements:
The cost of forklift training courses in Australia varies from state to state. Below are the costs of forklift training courses for beginners:
New South Wales – AU$400 per person + AU$72.50 SafeWork NSW licence fee
Newcastle & Central Coast – $450 + $67 for the licence application fee paid to the Australia Post
Western Australia – AU$350 per person + WorkSafe Licence Fee – AU$78.50 if the applicant holds a current WA High-Risk licence
South Australia – AU$385 With CITB or Without CITB: AU$415 + SafeWork SA licence processing fee
Queensland – AU$200 to AU$350 per person + AU$70 paid to the Australia Post
Victoria - AU$499 per person + AU$60 licence fee paid to the participating Post Office.
Tasmania – AU$776 per person + AU$69.52 licence fee
You are allowed to take forklift training courses as long as you:
For beginners, most courses will take 2 or more days. The course will cover everything there is to know about operating a forklift. The topics include general forklift maintenance, workplace safety, practical operational skills, and theory examinations.
A 1-day refresher course is available for experienced drivers who already know basic forklift driving best practices. Refresher courses often cover more on improving workplace safety and adequate knowledge of the current legislation.
A forklift licence lasts for 5 years. Then, the licence has to be renewed.
There are many training courses that you can find online. However, the Australian government requires all applicants to complete a forklift training course from an RTO. Also, submission of forklift certification requirements to Australia Post can only be done by the applicants themselves and NOT online.
Forklift driver training is only one aspect of workplace safety. Installing safety barriers and other safety equipment makes a much safer working environment.
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