How to Become a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator
Written by Staff Writer
Whether you will be working with warehouse forklifts, large construction cranes or other large machines, you need safety training to comply with OSHA regulations. Specialized instruction for operating machinery like cranes, derricks, excavators, diggers and powered industrial trucks (PITs) can provide you with the knowledge you need to avoid accidents.
While you might only need a high school diploma or GED to get started, you will need to get certified or trained on the type of machinery you plan to operate. OSHA does not certify workers. But it does mandate education. Before using complex and powerful machines, operators must be trained, certified or licensed for safe operation. Employers must ensure employees are properly prepared for the job.
While OSHA does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL), your state, local government, employer or union may have additional licensing requirements.
How Much Can Equipment Operators Earn?
The U.S. economy always needs more qualified operators. The median pay for construction machine operators is significantly above the national average for all occupations.
The industry offers many opportunities for qualified operators. But before you can operate safely, you must pass the educational requirements.
Importance of Operator Safety Training
Construction sites, warehouse operations and industrial facilities can be dangerous places.
In 2023, figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that more than 1,000 workers are killed each year and nearly 80,000 workers suffer injuries on the job annually. The most common injuries come from contact with machinery or objects. In fact, about 75% of all struck-by accidents involve machines such as trucks or cranes.
You need to be thoroughly trained to protect yourself and your colleagues. When you master the safe operation of these machines, you can also work more efficiently — making you more valuable to your employer.
Find Heavy Equipment Operator Training Programs
OSHA Education Center provides a variety of heavy equipment operation courses. Each course presents high-quality, 100% online lessons that make it easy to obtain a forklift certification or start on the road to becoming a certified crane operator or other machine operator.
Our online programs include:
» Forklift Certification
Fully compliant with OSHA 1910.178(l), you will get the formal instruction needed to earn a license and safely operate Class I — Class VII lifts.
Combine forklift and powered industrial truck (PIT) education to broaden your expertise in these common vehicles. Earn your certificate of completion for a variety of PITs, including:
Each option satisfies the requirements for OSHA 1910.178(I) and 1926.602(d).
» OSHA Competent Person: Excavation & Trench
Fully compliant with OSHA 1926.32(f), this course satisfies the OSHA competency requirements for designated employees to identify, control and correct common hazards during excavations.
» Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators and Conveyors
This primer teaches basic safety principles for cranes and derricks, material hoists, personnel hoists, overhead hoists, elevators, base-mounted drum hoists, conveyors and more.
» Excavations Safety Training
Train for excavation and trenching work, including how to identify excavation risks and prevent accidents.
» Crane Operator Safety
This program focuses on basic principles for safe crane operations on building, renovation and demolition sites, emphasizing skills you will use in your daily work routine.
100% Online Training Options
All OSHA Education Center courses are available 100% online from any internet-connected device. You can log on and off as many times as you want. Your progress is saved automatically, allowing you to work anywhere at any time without having to repeat lesson material.
Review our comprehensive course catalog and get started on your career path. Enroll in heavy equipment operator training today!