OSHA Forklift Operator Training & Certification (29 CFR 1910.178(l)) – Summary & Compliance Guide

Last updated: October 22, 2025

OSHA regulates forklift (powered industrial truck) training under 29 CFR 1910.178(l). The rule requires employers to develop and implement a training program, evaluate each operator's performance, and certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated. Key elements are summarized below with links to the official text.

Overview

  • Scope: All powered industrial truck operators in general industry.
  • Aim: Ensure operators are trained, evaluated, and competent to operate safely.

Key OSHA Requirements

  • Training & Evaluation: Employers must train and evaluate operators to ensure safe operation. [OSHA] [eCFR]
  • Program Content: Training must cover truck-related and workplace-related topics appropriate to the operator and tasks. [OSHA] [eCFR]
  • Refresher Training: Required after unsafe operation, an incident/near miss, assignment to a different type of truck, or workplace condition changes. [OSHA] [eCFR]

Certification & Three-Year Evaluation

  • Three-Year Evaluation: "An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years." — 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii).
  • Certification Record: "The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include 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." — 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6).

Employer Responsibilities (Checklist)

  • Maintain a documented training program aligned to 1910.178(l).
  • Keep certification records (operator name; training date; evaluation date; trainer/evaluator identity).
  • Schedule and complete evaluations at least every 3 years, plus refresher training when triggered.
  • Ensure training matches the specific truck type(s) and workplace conditions.

Related Resources

  • Forklift training & operator certification → /safety
  • OSHA standard text on OSHA.gov and eCFR.gov (official sources below)

References (Official Text)

This resource is maintained by Flat Earth Equipment as an educational summary of OSHA forklift certification requirements. It is not legal advice. Always review the official text.