Leading the way to a safer workplace

LiftSafe Inc. was founded in 1998 in an effort to provide OSHA /CalOSHA compliant training, methods, and materials for companies employing forklift operators. On December 1st, 1998, OSHA (July 15th 1999 CalOSHA) revised the employer training requirements for forklift operators from generic training, to instruction that is both equipment and site specific. The employer, as the responsible party, is required to see to it that their employees who operate powered industrial trucks receive classroom training and are evaluated on the lift truck(s) they will be authorized (certified) to use in the course of their employment. The law specifically states that the training must include an evaluation of the operator’s driving proficiency in the workplace. This means that when an employer hires a person to be a forklift operator, the new employer must see to it that the employee receive compliant training and evaluation at the new employer’s facility even if he or she was previously trained or “certified” at another job or forklift dealer.

The OSHA training mandate 29 CFR 1910.178(l) for powered industrial trucks covers all 7 classes of forklift trucks. Class 1-5 (warehouse types) include both sit-down and standup, counterbalanced, narrow aisle reach trucks and order pickers as well as powered walk behind types such as electric pallet jacks and walkie stackers. Class 6 includes internal combustion tug tractors, and class 7 includes rough terrain construction forklifts like telehandlers. Because of significant differences between the control positions, power type, number of wheels and operator position, operators need to be checked out on each type they will operate, and demonstrate proficiency, to be safe and compliant.