The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is a subdivision of the United States Department of Labor, requires any forklift operator to hold a valid 3 year OSHA forklift certification. 

OSHA can fine employers up to $7,000 if it is discovered that an operator ( regardless of experience ) is driving without proper training. That number can jump all the way to $70,000 if administration discovers obscene negligence in the case. Keep in mind too that insurance companies are likely to reject claims if the operator is not forklift certified. This means the employer will have to pay out of pocket!

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OSHA and other various studies claim there are roughly 100 deaths caused by forklift accidents annually in the United States. There are another 30,000+ serious injuries related to the heavy equipment. Remember, all present employees can be affected by forklift accidents, not just the operator. Proper safety certification is proven to bring these statistics down and create an overall safer work environment for everyone!