
2019
OSHA requires that employers train workers in the safe operation of a forklift as set forth under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 regulations. Only certified and authorized individuals may operate forklifts. A forklift training program consists of three parts:
Knowing how to drive a car doesn’t make someone able to operate a forklift, and one forklift can be very different from another. Operators must know the ins and outs of the forklifts they drive, including:
Equally important is that forklift operators know the workplace, which can affect safe forklift operation. Operators should know how these factors will affect the “rules of the road”:
Forklift refresher training is required by OSHA when:
After the formal and hands-on instruction, the instructor must evaluate the operator’s performance in the workplace. The performance evaluation consists of an observation of the operator performing all typical operations as they navigate through a planned driving course, and demonstrating proper use of the forklift’s controls to lift and lower materials, as well as practical knowledge of safety regulations. This is to ensure that the forklift is operated safely. If the evaluator believes that the operator’s skills are inadequate, additional training may be required. Retraining should be tailored to the reason for the retraining and should focus on specific topic areas with worksite-specific information as needed.
The employer must certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated with a document that includes the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.
For more information, visit: www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/index.html.
*Note: We recommend that you check with your insurance provider about any specific training and performance evaluation frequency requirements if you think they are different from the OSHA regulations