06/09/2025
Tomorrow is National Forklift Safety Day
The Industrial Truck Association is celebrating its Annual National Forklift Safety Day - June 10th. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training for forklift operators to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and a safe working environment.
Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts) ranks 6th in OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited hazards for Fiscal Year 2024. Most common were lack of proper training and not wearing a seat belt while operating a forklift. OSHA adjusted the penalty maximum for a serious violation to $16,550 effective January 15, 2025, with willful or repeated set at $161,514 (per violation).
Per OSHA standards, “only trained and competent operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck”. The standard requires employers to develop and implement a training program based on the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicle(s) being used in the workplace, the hazards of the workplace created by the use of the vehicle(s), and the general safety requirements of the OSHA standard.
Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
Foundation has an online operator training program that meets the classroom standards. Visit: www.foundationlms.org