Onsite Forklift Training

At 12:15 a.m. on July 4, 2019, an employee was operating a forklift with an attachment when it tipped over. The employee was killed when he was ejected and struck his head on the mast of the forklift.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

EQUIPMENT

The combined fork truck operator's training program can handle multiple types of equipment with no problem.

The determining factor is, does the employee have experience or do they require the full training that includes the lecture portion of the training, hands-on training, employee practice, instructor observation, and coaching?

Currently certified fork truck operators complete a knowledge and skills validation process.

This means employees do not go through a full training course, they complete an evaluation of their knowledge and equipment handling skills to verify that they remain competent to continue operating your fork trucks safely.

Why is onsite forklift, scissor lift, stand-up forklift, reach truck, swing reach truck and boom lift certification and licensing so much better than online training or training conducted offsite at a 3rd party provider?

To ensure that your forklift and material handling equipment operators safe, well trained, and OSHA-compliant they need to be trained on the equipment they will be required to operate and in the environment that they will be expected to use the equipment in.

Employee Forklift Training only provides onsite forklift and powered industrial truck training, as it meets all OSHA guidelines and industry best practices.

Is Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck

Training Right for Us?

Is Offsite Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Training OSHA Compliant?

In order for your forklift, scissor lift, walkie rider, stand-up forklift, reach truck, swing reach truck and boom lift operator's training to be compliant, OSHA requires that operators have a combination of formal classroom training and hands-on instruction which is covered under third-party training. However, OSHA also requires that employees are trained on the specific types of trucks they will be expected to operate.

OSHA also requires that employees be trained on the specific types of trucks they will be expected to operate. They also require specific training and orientation about the specific hazards and unique operations of each employer's operations.

So, employers will still be required to perform onsite training specific to equipment and operations. Employers will also be unable to verify that all of the required elements of training were completed during the online or offsite training class.

OSHA Hands-On Forklift
Training Requirements

When it comes to forklift safety, OSHA requires more than classroom instruction. To be considered a fully compliant forklift operator under both Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.178) and Cal/OSHA (Title 8 CCR §3668), employees must receive on-site, hands-on training in addition to formal education.

This guide breaks down the critical compliance requirements for employers and explains why hands-on training is a non-negotiable part of forklift and powered industrial truck (PIT) certification in general industry.

Why Hands-On Training Is Required

1. OSHA’s Two-Part Training Standard

Both Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA require:

Formal Instruction: Classroom or online training covering safety principles, regulations, and hazard awareness. Practical (Hands-On) Training: Supervised, in-person operation of the actual forklift equipment used in the workplace.

Without both components, an operator cannot be considered OSHA compliant.

2. Site-Specific Hazards

Hands-on training ensures operators learn to navigate:

Narrow aisles and congested work zones
Loading docks, ramps, and uneven surfaces
Pedestrian traffic areas
Hazards unique to the employer’s facility (e.g., chemicals, blind spots, racking system)

3. Real-World Competency

Book knowledge alone doesn’t prevent accidents. OSHA requires employers to verify that operators can safely start, maneuver, load, lift, and shut down equipment in real workplace conditions.

Federal OSHA Hands-On Training Requirements (29 CFR 1910.178)

Employers must:

Provide supervised, practical training on the equipment employees will use.
Evaluate operators performing actual tasks in their work environment.
Conduct refresher hands-on training after unsafe operation, accidents, or reassignment to a new type of truck.
Re-evaluate operator performance at least once every three years.

Cal/OSHA Hands-On Training Requirements (Title 8 CCR §3668)

California mirrors Federal OSHA but places extra emphasis on:

Workplace-Specific Application: Operators must be trained on the exact forklift and in the exact environment they will use it.

Language Accessibility: Training must be delivered in a language employees understand.

Documentation: Employers must keep detailed training and evaluation records to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

Compliance for Employers: What You Must Do:

Conduct On-Site, Hands-On Training before authorizing any employee to operate a forklift or PIT.

Use Qualified Trainers who understand both OSHA standards and the specific equipment in use.

Document All Training and Evaluations for compliance records.

Provide Refresher Training whenever required by law (accidents, unsafe operation, or new equipment assignments).

Re-Evaluate Every Three Years to ensure ongoing competency.

Why Hands-On Forklift Training Protects Employers

Avoids OSHA Fines: Non-compliance can result in citations and financial penalties.

Reduces Accidents: Practical training dramatically lowers the risk of operator error.

Improves Efficiency: Trained operators handle loads faster and more safely.

Protects Workers’ Compensation Costs: Fewer accidents mean fewer claims and reduced insurance premiums.

The Bottom Line

To meet OSHA and Cal/OSHA compliance requirements, employers must go beyond the classroom. On-site, hands-on forklift training is mandatory—not optional. Employers who take this requirement seriously protect their workforce, reduce risk, and strengthen workplace safety culture.