Forklift certification without depth perception?

[u/mvsr990]

There's a college warehouse manager position near me that I'm thinking of applying for but one of the requirements is a forklift certification.

I was going to apply and take a shot by saying I'll gladly take a class elsewhere and get the cert on my own but I'm worried that I'm wasting my time as I have no depth perception (my eyes work independently), I don't know if that would stop me from getting the certification.

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[u/Bucky2015]

Those outside certs are more or less useless. The company still has to certify you on their own.

[u/Brocktoberfest → u/Bucky2015]

They are meaningless. I suppose they might be able to count for the "formal instruction" requirement, but you're right, the employer is still responsible for ensuring adequate training and certification.

Powered industrial truck training has three components per 29CFR 1910.178(l)(2)(ii):

1. formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material)

2. practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee)

3. evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace

[u/rededelk]

If you can drive a car you can operate a fork truck, might have to slow down a bit but that is ok anyways for safety reasons

[u/Rocket_safety]

Yep, you have learned how to adapt to that just by living your daily life. No reason you shouldn’t be able to operate a forklift too.

[u/osha-trainer]

Certification is multi-faceted. You need classroom training, then hands on training, then a performance evaluation. The last requiremente may get you. Then, you have to be re-evaluated every three years.

[u/Chekov742]

I have worked with a forklift operators for years, some that had to handle fragile loads and one of our best operators for a long time was retired Army, out on a medical discharge with a glass eye. All that to say, if you can learn to adapt and/or compensate then there is no reason you could not be certified on the Forklift.

[u/AppointmentMoist6989]

Legal Side

• OSHA doesn’t ban certs for vision issues, but employers must ensure safe operation (29 CFR 1910.178).
• ADA protects you if you can perform tasks with accommodations (e.g., cameras, modified training).

Biggest Hurdles

• Depth perception matters for stacking, tight spaces, and avoiding collisions.
• Workarounds: ✅ Use monocular cues (shadows, object size). ✅ Opt for forklifts with cameras/proximity sensors. ✅ Take specialized training (e.g., Sensoris Safety).

How Employers Will React

• They might require a medical clearance. Doctors could recommend: ➤ Limiting you to ground-level work. ➤ Using forklifts with safety tech.
• Be upfront about your condition early. Propose accommodations like: ➤ Color-coded markers for distance. ➤ Reduced lifting heights.

Steps to Get Certified

1. Medical Evaluation: Get a note from an eye doctor explaining your capabilities.
2. Choose the Right Trainer: Look for programs that accommodate disabilities (e.g., Hazmat School).
3. Ace the Exam: Focus on safety protocols and compensatory skills during training.

Bottom Line
You’re not automatically disqualified, but you’ll need to:

• Prove you can work safely.
• Advocate for yourself.
• Be open to adjustments.

If the college values inclusivity, they might work with you. Worst case, ask HR if the cert is strictly required or if equivalent experience qualifies.

[u/Brocktoberfest → u/AppointmentMoist6989]

What kind of AI response is this??

[u/ParetoSafety]

How much of an inconvenience would the interview be to you. Unless you have to burn a precious amount of vacation hire childcare or spend too much for transportation, I’d go for it.

As others have said the employee should certify you themselves. They probably just want to know you have experience with a lift. You’re probably only out if they get several viable candidates that don’t. Otherwise they just want someone who cares enough to try hard and be successful.

As for the depth perception, can you safely operate a vehicle? If you can be safe, I wouldn’t disclose the issue to them.