1910.178(l)(1): Forklift operators must be trained and evaluated first
The employer must make sure each forklift (powered industrial truck) operator is competent to operate it safely, shown by successfully completing the required training and evaluation. Except while training, no one may operate a forklift until they have completed that training, with a limited allowance for operators who have already been trained and evaluated.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 2,028 times in the last 3 years, in 2,016 inspections, with $6,864,559 in current penalties.
- 39 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (207), NJ (127), OH (120).
- 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) ("Safe operation") is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 2 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
(1) Safe operation. 2,028 citations
(i) The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l). Open (l)(1)(i) 1,505 citations
(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). Open (l)(1)(ii) 504 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
39 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(1).
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 | 141 |
| 2024 | 807 |
| 2025 | 689 |
| 2026 | 391 |
Top states: IL (207), NJ (127), OH (120), TX (115), MD (111)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RV RETAILER EAST, LLC | ALACHUA, FL | $99,300 |
| MITCHELL INDUSTRIAL TIRE CO., INC. | ELM MOTT, TX | $95,826 |
| 157728 - SJM MARKETPLACE VENTURES LLC | LENOIR, NC | $48,393 |
| JOHN'S DISPOSAL SERVICES, INC. / JOHN'S RECYCLING, INC. | FRANKSVILLE, WI | $34,000 |
| MDLG, INC. | PHENIX CITY, AL | $20,280 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Coverage of volunteers; forklift operator training for multiple facilities determined by similarity of potential workplace hazards. (2005-05-13)
- Powered Industrial Trucks: examination prior to being placed in service; evaluations conducted orally versus written; multi-level evaluations; seatbelt use. (2004-07-28)
- Host employers must assure forklift operators of visiting employers are trained. (1999-04-06)
- Disabled (hearing impaired) forklift operators. (1998-01-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(l) 5,743 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
- 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 a new hire drive a forklift before training?
Only for training purposes. Otherwise the employer must ensure the operator has successfully completed the required training first.
How is competence shown?
By successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in 1910.178(l).
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.