Did you know that the penalties for getting caught driving a forklift without a license are extremely severe and can amount to thousands of dollars in fines? The penalties for unlicensed forklift use are harsh for a good reason — forklift training and licensing ensures operators are capable of using the equipment safely.

That’s very important because forklifts carry heavy loads and workers are injured every year, with fatal accidents occurring here in Australia (even with our strong rules and regulations) and around the world. If you get behind the wheel of a forklift without a valid license, you’re putting the welfare and safety of your co-workers at risk of serious injury, and you and your employer at risk of substantial fines. It simply isn’t worth it. Today we look at the importance of forklift licenses, the penalties for unlicensed operation and how to get a forklift license.

The Importance of Forklift Licenses

As discussed above, it’s important to have a valid forklift license because the training and licensing required to get a ticket ensures operators have the skills and knowledge needed to operate a forklift safely. Forklifts move very heavy loads, often in enclosed environments, and accidents occur even when operators are highly-skilled and experienced. Consequently, unlicensed workers mustn’t operate these vehicles.

If you’re caught operating a forklift unlicensed, you could get hit with a penalty of up to $3000 and your employer could cop a fine of up to $100,000. What’s more, if you were involved in an accident and someone was seriously hurt, you and your employer could also be liable for their personal injury and workers compensation claims. It isn’t worth the risk.

How to Get Your Ticket

Forklift driving is considered a high-risk occupation in Australia and there are two licenses that forklift drivers typically hold to work in factories, warehouses and other workplace environments. These are:

• Forklift Truck (TLILIC 2001A LF licence) — This is the forklift license most operators hold. To get this license, you must train on a suitable forklift with a mast and an elevating carriage with fork arms.
• Order-Picking Machine (TLILI 2002A LO licence) — This is a more advanced forklift license and it’s a handy one to have as it increases your employment options. To get this ticket, you must train on an order-picking forklift in which the control and load carriage move together.

Holding the required forklift license is important for safety reasons and as many Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer one-day forklift licensing, getting your forklift ticket is cost-effective and easy. There’s no excuse for not having one.

The Ceil Power team have extensive experience in the forklift industry, which enables us to provide industry-leading forklift battery and charging solutions to businesses of all sizes across Australia. We provide Australia’s longest forklift battery warranties, have a great reputation for our friendly and expert customer service, and are happy to provide you with specialist advice across our entire range. Contact us online or call us on 1300 877 531.