Forklift operator evaluation form

This is the operator evaluation, not the daily machine check. OSHA requires each powered industrial truck operator's performance to be evaluated at least once every three years, and re-evaluated sooner after unsafe operation, an accident or near miss, assignment to a different truck type, or a change in workplace conditions. Use this form to evaluate the operator and complete the certification OSHA requires.

CompanyJobsiteDate

Forklift operator evaluation form

Company: ____________

Jobsite: ____________

Date: ____________

Operator and evaluation details

	Operator name: ____________	N/A · Action
	Truck type / class evaluated (and attachments): ____________	N/A · Action
	Reason for evaluation: 3-year cycle / new operator / after accident or unsafe operation / new truck type / changed conditions	N/A · Action
	Evaluation date: ____________	N/A · Action
	Evaluator name and title: ____________	N/A · Action

Knowledge (formal instruction retained)

	Explains the truck's controls, capacity, and stability triangle	N/A · Action
	Knows the daily pre-use inspection and what takes a truck out of service	N/A · Action
	Understands load handling: capacity plate, load center, tilt, travel with load low	N/A · Action
	Knows pedestrian rules, blind corners, horn use, and speed limits	N/A · Action
	Knows refueling/charging and battery or LP handling for this truck	N/A · Action

Practical operation (observed in the workplace)

	Completes the pre-use inspection before operating	N/A · Action
	Seat belt worn; starts, travels, and stops smoothly and in control	N/A · Action
	Looks in the direction of travel; travels in reverse when the load blocks the view	N/A · Action
	Sounds the horn at intersections and blind spots; yields to pedestrians	N/A · Action
	Handles, lifts, stacks, and places loads safely and within capacity	N/A · Action
	Negotiates ramps correctly (load upgrade); no raised load while traveling	N/A · Action
	Parks correctly: forks down, neutral, brake set, key handled per procedure	N/A · Action

Workplace-specific

	Operates safely in the actual aisles, docks, and surfaces of this site	N/A · Action
	Manages the site's specific pedestrian and traffic interactions	N/A · Action
	Recognizes site hazards (overhead, edges, dock plates, congestion)	N/A · Action

Result

	Outcome: COMPETENT to operate this truck type / REQUIRES refresher training and re-evaluation	N/A · Action
	Deficiencies observed and refresher training needed: ____________	N/A · Action
	Next evaluation due (within 3 years): ____________	N/A · Action

Certification (OSHA-required content)

	Operator name: ____________	N/A · Action
	Date(s) of training: ____________	N/A · Action
	Date of this evaluation: ____________	N/A · Action
	Name of person(s) performing the training and evaluation: ____________	N/A · Action
	Signatures (evaluator and operator): ____________	N/A · Action

Completed by: ____________________

Signature: ____________________

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Common questions

▸How often does OSHA require forklift operator evaluation?

At least once every three years for each powered industrial truck operator. On top of the cycle, refresher training and a new evaluation are required sooner if the operator is seen operating unsafely, is in an accident or near miss, is assigned a different type of truck, or the workplace conditions change.

▸Is the daily forklift inspection the same as operator evaluation?

No. The daily inspection checks the machine before each shift. The operator evaluation checks the person: whether they have retained the knowledge and skills to operate safely. Both are required, and they are separate records.

▸What must the certification include?

OSHA requires certification that the operator was trained and evaluated, and it must record the operator's name, the training date, the evaluation date, and the identity of the person who did the training and evaluation. This form's certification block captures exactly that.

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