OSHA Forklift Safety Training
The OSHA Forklift Safety Training course is designed to enhance workplace safety when using powered industrial trucks such as forklifts. This training covers the essential requirements of OSHA’s General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.178 and Construction Industry Standard 29 CFR 1926.602(d).
Participants will learn safe operating procedures, pre-operation inspections, load handling techniques, stability and tipping principles, hazard recognition, and emergency response measures. The goal is to ensure forklift operators and nearby workers remain safe while also helping employers meet OSHA compliance requirements.
Why This Course Is Important
Forklifts are involved in thousands of workplace injuries every year, many of which result from improper use, lack of knowledge, or failure to follow safety protocols. This course is important because:
- OSHA requires forklift operators to receive proper training and evaluation.
- Improper forklift use can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and costly property damage.
- Employers may face penalties for non-compliance with OSHA standards.
- Training reduces risks, enhances productivity, and builds a strong safety culture.
- It ensures that operators understand equipment limitations and safe practices.
Who Should Take This Course?
This forklift safety training is ideal for:
- New and experienced forklift operators.
- Warehouse and distribution center workers.
- Construction site personnel involved in material handling.
- Safety managers, supervisors, and team leads overseeing forklift operations.
- Employers seeking OSHA-compliant training for their workforce.
- Maintenance staff responsible for servicing forklift equipment.
What This Course Covers
The training provides a thorough understanding of forklift operation and OSHA compliance, including:
- OSHA requirements for powered industrial trucks (29 CFR 1910.178 & 1926.602).
- Types of forklifts and their designated uses.
- Pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance checks.
- Load handling, lifting, transporting, and stacking techniques.
- Stability triangle, load center, and avoiding tip-overs.
- Hazard recognition in warehouses, loading docks, and construction sites.
- Safe travel practices, pedestrian awareness, and workplace communication.
- Parking, shutdown procedures, and unattended vehicle rules.
- Emergency procedures and accident prevention strategies.
- Employer responsibilities and documentation requirements.
By taking this course, you'll become a forklift pro! You'll be able to:
- Recognize different forklifts and their safe operation.
- Learn to identify and avoid dangers while operating a forklift.
- Understand OSHA regulations (it's the law!) for safe forklift use.
- Master pre-operation and daily inspections to ensure your forklift is safe.
- Learn basic maintenance tasks to keep your forklift in top shape.
- Follow safe procedures for fueling, battery changes, and charging.
- Learn proper techniques for lifting, lowering, and transporting loads securely.
- Understand forklift stability principles to prevent tip-overs and accidents.
- Master safe maneuvering through narrow spaces and doorways.
- Learn how to effectively communicate with ground personnel for smooth operation.
- Understand the importance of using the right personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Learn how to operate safely on uneven surfaces, slippery conditions, and other challenging environments.
- Discover safe ways to navigate around pedestrians and establish clear pedestrian zones.
- Understand the importance of maintaining accurate records for inspections, maintenance, and incidents.