1910.178(l)(4)(ii): Forklift Refresher Training Triggers
Forklift operators must receive refresher training in relevant topics when they are seen operating unsafely, are involved in an accident or near-miss, receive an evaluation showing unsafe operation, are assigned a different type of truck, or when a workplace change could affect safe operation.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(4)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 168 times in the last 3 years, in 167 inspections, with $782,536 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (15), IL (14), WI (11).
- 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)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 5 sub-paragraphs. 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
(ii) Refresher training in relevant topics shall be provided to the operator when: 168 citations
(A) The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner; Open (l)(4)(ii)(a) 20 citations
(B) The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident; Open (l)(4)(ii)(b) 104 citations
(C) The operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely; 1 citations
(D) The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or Open (l)(4)(ii)(d) 11 citations
(E) A condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck. Open (l)(4)(ii)(e) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(4)(ii).
At 1:46 p.m. on May 21, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a tire company, was placing stickers on stacks of 850 x 50 R32 tires in the loading area. A coworker, operating a Hyundai forklift, was unloading a stack of three 850 x 50 R32…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 40 |
Top states: OH (15), IL (14), WI (11), NY (10), FL (9)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE | ALBANY, NY | $21,516 |
| AMERICAN TIRE DISTRIBUTORS INC | AMARILLO, TX | $16,550 |
| PEPSICO BEVERAGE SALES, LLC | SUSSEX, WI | $16,550 |
| SYSCO CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,131 |
| CB MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. | CRANSTON, RI | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(4)(ii), 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)(ii).
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)(B) 104 citations
- 1910.178(l)(3)(i) 92 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
When is forklift refresher training required?
After unsafe operation is observed, an accident or near-miss, a poor evaluation, assignment to a different truck type, or a workplace change affecting safe operation.
Does a near-miss require retraining?
Yes. Refresher training is required when the operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
Does switching trucks require retraining?
Yes, when the operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck.
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.