1910.178(l)(2)(ii): Forklift Training Methods
Powered industrial truck operator training must combine formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. Formal instruction can include lectures, discussion, computer learning, video or written material, and practical training includes trainer demonstrations and trainee exercises.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 437 times in the last 3 years, in 437 inspections, with $1,288,996 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (44), GA (38), FL (33).
- 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)(2)(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) Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. 437 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(2)(ii).
At 7:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 entered a grain bin while operating an auger and became caught in the sweep auger. The employee was fatally injured.
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 | 26 |
| 2024 | 184 |
| 2025 | 151 |
| 2026 | 76 |
Top states: OH (44), GA (38), FL (33), IL (27), TX (27)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HILL & MARKES LLC | AMSTERDAM, NY | $29,036 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $16,550 |
| L&W SUPPLY CORPORATION | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $16,131 |
| R & R PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR, INC. | LIBERTY, TX | $16,131 |
| MARTIN BROTHERS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. | CEDAR FALLS, IA | $15,625 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements of Powered Industrial Truck Training Program Implementation (2025-04-01)
- Competency of powered industrial truck trainers; training must be truck- and site-specific. (2000-04-10)
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)(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
Is classroom training alone enough for forklift operators?
No. Training must combine formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
What counts as formal instruction?
Examples in the rule are lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape and written material.
What is practical training?
Demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee.
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.