👷‍♂️Why “I’ve Been Driving for 20 Years” Isn’t a Certification
For many experienced forklift operators, years behind the wheel can build valuable skills and confidence. However, experience alone does not meet an employer’s legal obligation to ensure operators are properly trained and evaluated.
In British Columbia, employers are responsible for ensuring forklift operators are competent to safely operate the specific equipment they’ll be using in the conditions they’ll encounter. Simply having years of experience doesn’t automatically demonstrate current competency.
Experience Doesn’t Always Mean Safe Habits
Someone who has operated forklifts for 20 years may have:
Never received formal instruction.
Been trained on only one type of forklift.
Developed shortcuts over time.
Never been evaluated by a qualified trainer.
Worked under procedures that don’t match your workplace.
Even skilled operators can unknowingly adopt habits that increase the risk of incidents.
Every Workplace Is Different
Operating a forklift in a lumber yard is very different from working in:
A warehouse
A manufacturing facility
A retail distribution centre
A shipping yard
A food processing plant
Different layouts, traffic patterns, loads, pedestrians, ramps, and equipment all introduce unique hazards. Operators need training that reflects the environment they’ll actually be working in.
Equipment Matters
Not all forklifts handle the same way.
An operator who has spent years on a propane counterbalance forklift may not be familiar with:
Electric forklifts
Reach trucks
Order pickers
Pallet stackers
Rough terrain forklifts
Each piece of equipment has its own operating characteristics and safety considerations.
Refresher Training Protects Everyone
Even experienced operators benefit from periodic reviews. Safety standards evolve, workplace procedures change, and it’s easy for unsafe habits to develop over time.
Refresher training isn’t about questioning an operator’s experience—it’s about reinforcing best practices and helping everyone go home safely at the end of the day.
The Bottom Line
Twenty years of experience is valuable—but it isn’t the same as documented training, workplace-specific instruction, and demonstrated competency. The most experienced operators are often the ones who appreciate the opportunity to refresh their knowledge and ensure they’re operating as safely and efficiently as possible.
Contact On-Site Forklift Training today to schedule certified forklift training and help build a safer, more confident workforce.
