1910.178(l)(4): Forklift refresher training and evaluation
Refresher training, with an evaluation of how effective it was, must be given when an operator is seen driving unsafely, has an accident or near miss, gets an evaluation showing unsafe operation, is assigned a different type of truck, or when workplace conditions change in a way that could affect safe operation. Each operator's performance must also be evaluated at least once every three years.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 1,345 times in the last 3 years, in 1,330 inspections, with $2,515,761 in current penalties.
- 13 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MN (146), OR (90), OH (73).
- Related part: 1910.178(l) (5,743 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4) ("Refresher training and evaluation") is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 8 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
(4) Refresher training and evaluation. 1,345 citations
(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. Open (l)(4)(i) 43 citations
(ii) Refresher training in relevant topics shall be provided to the operator when: Open (l)(4)(ii) 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
(iii) An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years. Open (l)(4)(iii) 1,126 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
13 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(4).
At 6:30 a.m. on October 28, 2024, an employee working for a fabricated metal products manufacturer was operating a forklift (PIV) to move a pallet of empty boxes. As the employee backed up the PIV, it fell off the edge of a 10-inch dropin pavement…
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 | 78 |
| 2024 | 521 |
| 2025 | 466 |
| 2026 | 280 |
Top states: MN (146), OR (90), OH (73), FL (72), NJ (70)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRADER JOE'S COMPANY | GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO | $85,000 |
| TRADER JOE'S | MEDIA, PA | $76,054 |
| RK HOLDINGS, LLP | OCALA, FL | $22,584 |
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE | ALBANY, NY | $21,516 |
| ROOSEVELT PAPER COMPANY | ALSIP, IL | $21,279 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
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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)(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
- 1910.178(l)(3)(i) 92 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is forklift refresher training required?
After unsafe operation is observed, an accident or near miss, an evaluation showing unsafe operation, assignment to a different type of truck, or a workplace change that could affect safe operation.
How often must operators be evaluated?
At least once every three years.
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.