1910.178(l)(1)(ii): Forklift Training Before Operating
Before letting any employee operate a powered industrial truck, such as a forklift, the employer must make sure that operator has successfully completed the required operator training. The only exceptions are operating during the training itself and the cases allowed under paragraph (l)(5), which covers avoiding duplicate training for operators already trained on the same topics.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 504 times in the last 3 years, in 504 inspections, with $1,625,490 in current penalties.
- 10 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (54), TX (42), MA (35).
- 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)(1)(ii) 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
(ii) Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5). 504 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
10 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(1)(ii).
At 9:00 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 exited the forklift without setting the parking brake. The forklift rolled and trapped the employee's foot, pinning him between the forklift and the container. Employee #1 was found unconscious after he fell backwards striking his head.…
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 | 40 |
| 2024 | 196 |
| 2025 | 181 |
| 2026 | 87 |
Top states: IL (54), TX (42), MA (35), PR (33), OH (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MITCHELL INDUSTRIAL TIRE CO., INC. | ELM MOTT, TX | $87,115 |
| SUN AUTO TIRE & SERVICE INC. | CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO | $16,550 |
| ANIMAL COMFORT GROUP, LLC | CROCKETT, TX | $16,550 |
| TECHNICAL ARTS GROUP, LLC | CLIFTON PARK, NY | $16,550 |
| TINDALL CORPORATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(1)(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)(1)(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)(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
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
Can someone drive a forklift before finishing training?
Only as part of the training. Otherwise the employer must make sure the operator has successfully completed the required training first.
What is paragraph (l)(5)?
It lets employers avoid repeating training on topics an operator was already trained and evaluated on, when the operator is shown to be competent.
Who is responsible for checking training?
The employer must ensure each operator has completed the training before allowing them to operate.
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.