OSHAs New Forklift Operator Training Standard

OSHA has revised its existing requirements for powered industrial truck operator training, 1910.178 (1), and has issued new requirements on December 1, 1999 to improve the training of these operators. The new requirements are intended to reduce the average of 101 annual fatalities caused by lift trucks by 10%. Injuries total 94,570 each year and are expected to decline by 9,422 as a result of the new requirements. (See the full text in Appendix A) 

The prevention of injuries and damage to property and product is in the hands of management. Powered industrial trucks require ongoing maintenance to ensure they are safe to use. Operators must be formally trained to drive their specific pieces of equipment. Management must never assume that an automobile driver s license qualifies operators to drive lift trucks this is a common mistake throughout industry. 

Operator training can pay off with fewer injuries and incidents in the warehouse. The money invested in training will return dividends. Training programs are to include classroom instruction, audio-visuals, quizzes, and skills-driving evaluation. 

Clark Equipment Company. Operators Instruction Manual, Book 01-321. September 1983. 

Cravens, Catherine P. Getting In Step, Occupational Health and Safety. April 1998, pp. 68-69. 

---