1910.178(l)(5): Skipping Repeat Forklift Training Topics
If a forklift operator was already trained in a required topic, and that training fits the truck and work conditions, more training in that topic is not required, but only if the operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 48 times in the last 3 years, in 48 inspections, with $77,172 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (13), IL (10), MA (4).
- 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)(5) ("Avoidance of duplicative training") 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
(5) Avoidance of duplicative training. If an operator has previously received training in a topic specified in paragraph (l)(3) of this section, and such training is appropriate to the truck and working conditions encountered, additional training in that topic is not required if the operator has been evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely. 48 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: TN (13), IL (10), MA (4), GA (3), CT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LAGROU DES PLAINES CORPORATION | DES PLAINES, IL | $16,550 |
| BRV LINCOLN, LLC | ROCA, NE | $9,078 |
| YUEJIE INC. | FRANKLIN PARK, IL | $8,000 |
| OCEAN FLEET FISHERIES, INC. | NEW BEDFORD, MA | $5,214 |
| TIMKEN AURORA BEARING COMPANY | MONTGOMERY, IL | $5,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(l)(5).
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)(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
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
Does a forklift operator have to repeat training they already had?
Not for a topic already covered, if the training fits the truck and conditions and the operator was evaluated and found competent.
What must happen before training can be skipped?
The operator must be evaluated and found competent to operate the truck safely.
Does past training on a different truck count?
Only if that training is appropriate to the truck and working conditions the operator will face.
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.