1910.178(l)(4)(i): Forklift Refresher Training
Employers must conduct forklift refresher training, including an evaluation of how effective that training is, when required by 1910.178(l)(4)(ii), so the operator has the knowledge and skills to operate the truck safely.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(4)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 43 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $114,350 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (4), CT (4), OH (4).
- Related part: 1910.178(l) (5,743 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Refresher training, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, shall be conducted as required by paragraph (l)(4)(ii) to ensure that the operator has the knowledge and skills needed to operate the powered industrial truck safely. 43 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: PR (4), CT (4), OH (4), NJ (3), VA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| OVERSEAS HARDWOODS COMPANY, INC. | MILWAUKEE, WI | $14,895 |
| TFORCE LOGISTICS EAST, LLC | AURORA, CO | $11,000 |
| SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. | DALLAS, TX | $9,930 |
| THE SHEPHERD CHEMICAL COMPANY | CINCINNATI, OH | $8,710 |
| UNITED STATES COLD STORAGE | OMAHA, NE | $8,619 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(4)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(l)(4)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(l) 5,743 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1) Safe operation 2,028 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1)(i) 1,505 citations
- 1910.178(l)(6) Certification 1,445 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4) Refresher training and evaluation 1,345 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) 1,126 citations
- 1910.178(l)(2) Training program implementation 505 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1)(ii) 504 citations
- 1910.178(l)(2)(ii) 437 citations
- 1910.178(l)(3) Training program content 196 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(ii) 168 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(B) 104 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must refresher training include?
An evaluation of the effectiveness of that training.
When is refresher training required?
As required by paragraph (l)(4)(ii) of 1910.178.
What is the goal?
To make sure the operator has the knowledge and skills to operate the powered industrial truck safely.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.