Forklift Training

The J. J. Keller® Forklift Training program covers the following topics:

Equipment Basics

• Kinds of Forklifts
• Forklifts vs. Automobiles
• Keeping a Forklift Balanced
• Forklift Controls

Equipment Inspections

• Pre-Use Inspection
• Walk-around inspection
• Seated inspection

Operating Procedures

• Pre-Use Inspection
• Walk-around inspection
• Seated inspection

Maintaining Your Forklift

• Pre-Use Inspection
• Walk-around inspection
• Seated inspection

This training content is available to download in SCORM 1.2 or MP4 formats for use on your own Learning Management System or company intranet.

Backed by 70 years of safety and compliance expertise, J. J. Keller provides comprehensive training that keeps employees up-to-date and compliant with industry regulations. You can download our world-class training content – including online courses and videos on a wide range of topics – to use directly on your Learning Management System or company intranet. This allows all data and recordkeeping to remain centralized on your existing system.

Learn more about using J. J. Keller® Training on your LMS or Intranet.

Is annual OSHA forklift training required?

No. Refresher training only needs to be conducted when operators are found to be operating unsafely, have been in an accident or near miss, receive a poor evaluation, or when there are changes in the workplace or type of truck. OSHA does, however, require an evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator’s performance at least once every three years.

Do we need to provide forklift operator training for each make and model?

No, not necessarily. But, you have to train on each “type” of truck. By “type,” OSHA is talking about basic differences — a sit-down rider truck vs. a stand-up truck, or an order-picker vs. a pallet jack. OSHA doesn’t intend that you have to give refresher training because someone starts using the same type of truck made by a different manufacturer. But, keep in mind that the operator will need instruction on any topics, such as the truck’s controls, that are different.

Would a written exam alone (i.e., without practical operation of the truck) suffice for the required 3-year operator evaluation?

The "evaluation" of "performance" required by the OSHA standard cannot be met by a written exam alone. A written exam by itself does not indicate whether the operator is operating the powered industrial truck safely. In most cases, the person conducting the evaluation would do two things: first, observe the powered industrial truck operator during normal operations to determine if the operator is performing safely, and second, ask pertinent questions to ensure that the operator has the knowledge or experience needed to operate a truck safely. In some cases, because of the danger or complexity of the operation, the extent of the change in conditions, or the operator's need for additional skills, the evaluation will need to be lengthier and more detailed.

Do powered industrial truck training requirements cover powered hand trucks?

Yes, the use of powered hand trucks presents numerous hazards to employees who operate them and those working in the area where they are used. Therefore, training is required for powered hand trucks. The OSHA regulation at 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(1) indicates that the requirements, including those for training, cover motorized hand trucks.