If you’re looking for Worksafe Forklift Training in Victoria, it’s not just about checking a box. You want training that’s real, practical, and grounded in experience. At VIF Safety Training, that’s exactly what you get. Led by a veteran instructor with nearly two decades of hands-on mobile equipment experience, this isn’t classroom theory — it’s safety built from the ground up.
Here are eight solid reasons to consider VIF Safety Training for your forklift certification needs.
1. Real-World Experience You Can Trust
Darrell Block, Owner and Lead Instructor at VIF Safety Training, brings 18 years of real-world mobile equipment operation to the table. That’s not something you can replicate with just a manual. His background includes hands-on experience with forklifts and other mobile equipment in actual industrial settings. When Darrell teaches, he’s not just quoting rules — he’s explaining how those rules apply in the situations you’ll face on the job.
2. Certified by a Recognized Leader in Safety Training
Darrell has been an Ives Certified Trainer since 2018. Ives is a well-known name in equipment operator training, with a strong focus on safety and compliance. This certification means Darrell’s instruction meets a high standard and is backed by one of the most respected programs in the industry. That gives you peace of mind knowing you’re learning from someone who’s both qualified and current.
3. Experience in Teaching at the College Level
Before launching VIF Safety Training, Darrell instructed at North Island College. This isn’t just about operating equipment — it’s about knowing how to teach others to do it safely. His college-level teaching background means he understands how to communicate clearly, explain complex topics, and adapt to different learning styles. That’s key when safety is on the line.
4. Deep Knowledge of Lockout Procedures
Safety training isn’t limited to moving a forklift from point A to B. It’s about understanding the full scope of workplace hazards. Darrell’s experience as a Lockout Coordinator adds another layer to his instruction. He knows how critical lockout/tagout procedures are, and he integrates that awareness into his training. Students don’t just learn how to move equipment — they learn how to keep themselves and their coworkers safe while doing it.
5. A Strong Electrical and Maintenance Background
Darrell is a Red Seal Industrial Electrician by trade, and he’s held roles including Electrical Shop Supervisor and Maintenance Manager. Why does that matter for forklift training? Because understanding the systems that make workplaces run gives him insight into the environments his students will be working in. He gets the bigger picture of how safety fits into day-to-day operations and long-term reliability.
6. A Veteran’s Approach to Discipline and Safety
Having served 8 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Darrell brings a disciplined, no-nonsense approach to safety. Military service requires attention to detail, situational awareness, and the ability to work under pressure — all essential traits when it comes to training others in high-risk environments. It’s not about barking orders; it’s about showing respect for the risks and preparing people to handle them confidently.
7. Personalized, Practical Instruction
Big training companies sometimes lose the human element. At VIF Safety Training, you’re not just another number in a class. The instruction is hands-on and practical, and every session is led directly by Darrell himself. His passion for safety training is clear, and he takes the time to ensure each participant gets the guidance they need to meet Worksafe standards with confidence.
8. Local Knowledge and Commitment
VIF Safety Training isn’t a national chain. It’s a local business that understands the unique needs of worksites in Victoria and the surrounding areas. The company knows what Worksafe Forklift Training Victoria actually looks like in practice — not in theory. When you train with VIF, you’re getting insight from someone who knows the local industries, expectations, and safety requirements inside and out.
Choosing the right forklift training provider isn’t just about ticking off a requirement. It’s about learning from someone who’s been there, done the work, and knows what it takes to stay safe while doing it. With VIF Safety Training, you get qualified instruction, local expertise, and a strong focus on practical safety.
Ready to train with a company that puts experience and real-world safety first? Visit VIF Safety Training or call 250-889-2074 to get started.