Forklift Safety Training

Forklift operator on Toyota order picker receiving forklift safety training.
Operators

Forklift Operator Training

This course provides instruction on forklift safety principles. Operators review the top causes of accidents, stability, daily inspection, and fueling procedures. Emphasis is placed on your unique equipment and workplace-related issues. Each participant takes a written test, performs pre-shift inspection, and receives hands-on instruction for equipment operated at your facility. 

Forklift safety trainer coaching a forklift operator.
Trainers

Forklift Train-The-Trainer

In addition to learning forklift safety principles taught in an operator training, your trainer reviews OSHA regulations, classroom preparation, and hands-on evaluation procedures. Hands-on evaluations are included to ensure standard training requirements are met. 

The training class comes with a video kit tailored to your equipment, along with class training materials and a trainer binder. Additional training materials are available for purchase.

Training For Operators And In-House Trainers

Warehouse associate pulling a Toyota electric pallet jack.
FAQ

Forklift Safety Training FAQ

Stay compliant with OSHA and your company’s safety policies. Get answers to frequently asked safety questions about our training classes.

Where Do Safety Training Classes Take Place?

Many customers schedule on-site training to give their operators and trainers the opportunity to address specific challenges and safety concerns. However, if you have a smaller group, ProLift's on-site training classes may be a more cost-effective and convenient option.

When Is Training Offered At ProLift?

ProLift offers safety training classes at multiple locations to support customers in local markets. These classes include forklift operator safety training as well as train-the-trainer programs for forklifts.

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What Should Be Observed During A Hands-On Evaluation?

Each employer should establish minimum standards based on general operations and their specific applications. Additionally, it is up to the employer and trainers to decide the pass/fail criteria for evaluating forklift operators.

Best Practices

Is It Best To Outsource Training Or Hire An In-House Safety Trainer?

Having an in-house trainer is especially beneficial when your company frequently onboards new operators or requires regular refresher training. However, there are challenges to consider when taking on this responsibility, such as ensuring up-to-date knowledge.

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What Is A Common Sign That Safe Forklift Operating Practices Are Not Being Followed?

Frequent damage to forklift paint, such as scratches, scuffs, and chipped areas, can indicate unsafe operating practices and highlight potential training gaps. This wear often results from repeated contact with racking, walls, or other surfaces, suggesting that operators may be misjudging clearances or handling loads improperly. 

Left unaddressed, these signs of improper operation can lead to more significant issues, such as equipment damage, costly repairs, and increased safety risks in the workplace.

What Are The Weight Limits For Toyota Forklift Operators?

Toyota Forklifts do not impose a weight limit for operators. However, optional features like retractable seat belts, adjustable seats, and tilt columns can improve comfort for different body types. Physical size may prevent some operators from using certain forklifts, as federal regulation ANSI B56 5.2.4 requires that operators keep all body parts within the operator compartment. For safe operation, operators must be able to fit entirely within the confines of the equipment.

Eye wash station for forklift battery safety.

Training Materials

ProLift offers a selection of safety training materials for your internal forklift programs. Make your classroom preparation easier with video training kits, daily inspection checklists, lock-out/tag-out kits, operator wallet cards and more. 

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Forklift operators driving a Toyota reach truck and Toyota electric pallet jack.
OSHA

OSHA Training Requirements

Forklift safety training is an OSHA requirement for all forklift operators. Every employer is responsible for ensuring operators are competent to drive a forklift and provide training prior to operation at the job site. Training must:

  • Be directly supervised by persons with the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence
  • Take place in an area that does not put others at risk for harm
  • Include classroom training & a hands-on skill evaluation
  • Provided on each unique make and model of forklift
  • Be refreshed every 3 years
Forklift operator driving a Toyota forklift and looking through forklift mast.
Refresher

Refresher Training Requirements

An evaluation of an operator’s performance must be conducted every 3 years. You should also provide refresher training to forklift operators under the following circumstances:

  • Observed driving in an unsafe manner
  • Involved in an accident or near-miss
  • Received a hands-on evaluation that indicates unsafe driving
  • Assigned to a new piece of equipment
  • Subjected to a change in the workplace environment

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