1910.178(l)(2): Forklift Training Program Setup
Employers must let forklift trainees operate a truck only under direct supervision of a qualified trainer and only where it does not endanger them or others. Training must combine formal instruction, hands-on practice and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace. All training and evaluation must be done by people with the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and judge their competence.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 505 times in the last 3 years, in 498 inspections, with $1,535,819 in current penalties.
- 9 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (47), NY (41), GA (38).
- Related part: 1910.178(l) (5,743 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(l)(2) ("Training program implementation") 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
(2) Training program implementation. 505 citations
(i) Trainees may operate a powered industrial truck only: Open (l)(2)(i) 25 citations
(A) Under the direct supervision of persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence; and Open (l)(2)(i)(a) 17 citations
(B) Where such operation does not endanger the trainee or other employees. 6 citations
(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. Open (l)(2)(ii) 437 citations
(iii) All operator training and evaluation shall be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence. Open (l)(2)(iii) 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
9 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(2).
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 | 29 |
| 2024 | 208 |
| 2025 | 178 |
| 2026 | 90 |
Top states: OH (47), NY (41), GA (38), FL (36), TX (33)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HILL & MARKES LLC | AMSTERDAM, NY | $29,036 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $16,550 |
| T&T CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT GROUP | ORLANDO, FL | $16,550 |
| L&W SUPPLY CORPORATION | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $16,131 |
| R & R PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR, INC. | LIBERTY, TX | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements of Powered Industrial Truck Training Program Implementation (2025-04-01)
- Powered Industrial Truck (forklift) operator trainer qualifications. (2003-07-23)
- 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)(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
What three parts must forklift training include?
Formal instruction, practical hands-on training, and an evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.
Can a trainee drive alone?
No. Trainees may operate only under direct supervision of a qualified person and where it does not endanger anyone.
Who can train and evaluate operators?
Persons who have the knowledge, training and experience to train powered industrial truck operators and evaluate their competence.
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.