Studies have shown that more than 25% of all occupational injuries are related to material handling. These injuries not only bring hardships to the employees injured and to their families, but the impact on productivity and profitability can be tremendous. The operation of industrial lift trucks has been responsible for incidents involving death, serious injury, damage to buildings, damage to stock, and damage to the forklifts themselves. Since considerable risk is involved in the use of industrial lift trucks, OSHA has required that all workers using these types of trucks be properly trained in the use and maintenance of such equipment.

Learn from an industry veteran about safety topics you may think you know but that can cost your firm substantially if you’re not diligent.

In 1999, due to the large number of forklift accidents and deaths, U.S. OSHA Standard 29CFR1910.178 changed. The standard requires employers to train and authorize any employee who operates any type of specialized industrial truck powered by electric motor or internal combustion engine in the workplace. Members outside the U.S. likely have similar laws they must comply with.