WorkSafeBC

Forklift operator certification is not required in BC. Operators are expected to be trained to a CSA (national) standard.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that a trainee completes training and testing to meet the performance criteria set out in the standard before the person is assigned tasks as a lift truck (forklift) operator.

The standard for forklift operators is CSA Standard B335-94, Industrial Lift Truck Operator Training. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has developed a pilot web site that provides access to CSA Standards referenced in federal, provincial, and territorial OHS Regulations. The project is funded by the CSA, WorkSafeBC, and health and safety partners across Canada. View the CSA standards online.

Training may be obtained from a third-party provider; however, it is the employer's obligation to ensure that the training is consistent with the requirements of the CSA standard. An overview of the required forklift training is available online (PDF 2 MB). WorkSafeBC does not recommend training providers but does offer some guidance on choosing a provider in the List of Training Providers (PDF 420 kb).

Regulations and related materials

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Section 14.34.1
• OHS Guideline G14.34.1 Operator certification
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, section 16.7
• OHS Guidelines G16.7_j-1 and G16.7(j)-2
• WCB Standard: A324 Forklift Mounted Work Platforms

Resources

• Safe Operation of Lift Trucks (pamphlet; PDF 88 kb)
• StartSafe Safety Tips - Forklifts

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