Forklift and Telehandler Safety
29 CFR 1910.178 · 29 CFR 1926.602 · This talk in Spanish
Why it matters
A forklift or telehandler can roll over or strike a worker on foot, and a load can fall off the forks. OSHA requires every operator to finish training before running the machine, with a performance evaluation at least once every three years. Today we cover the rules for operators and for everyone on foot.
Hazards
- ⚠ Rollovers on slopes, turns, and uneven ground
- ⚠ Rear-end swing striking workers during turns
- ⚠ Loads shifting or falling from forks
- ⚠ Elevated loads moved with the boom up
- ⚠ Riders on forks or platforms not designed for people
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Only trained and certified operators, per 1910.178(l). A different type of truck means more training first.
- ✓ Seatbelt on, every time the machine has one.
- ✓ Travel with the load low and tilted back; drive in reverse when the load blocks view.
- ✓ Know the load chart and the rated capacity posted on the machine, and never go over it.
- ✓ No riders, ever, except in a manufacturer-approved work platform with proper attachment.
- ✓ Keep ground personnel out of the turn radius; use a spotter in congested areas.
What the OSHA standard says
Exact words from the official text, with a link to each paragraph.
“Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5).”
“An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years.”
“Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized.”
“If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing.”
“Lift trucks, stackers, etc., shall have the rated capacity clearly posted on the vehicle so as to be clearly visible to the operator.”
Site check before the talk
Walk the site and tick each line. Each line comes from the text quoted above.
- ☐Nobody runs the forklift or telehandler until their training is complete. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii))
- ☐Every operator has had a performance evaluation in the last three years. (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii))
- ☐No riders on the machine unless there is a safe place made for riding. (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(3))
- ☐If the load blocks your view ahead, drive with the load trailing. (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4))
- ☐Find the rated capacity posted on the machine before the lift, and stay under it. (29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(i))
Quotes checked word for word against the official eCFR text on October 5, 2026. This is a summary for a crew talk, not legal advice; the full official text governs. How we check
Crew discussion questions
- Who is certified on the machines we have on site right now?
- What is today’s worst ground condition for the forklift route?
- Which lifts today are near the capacity limit at reach?
- Where do people on foot cross the forklift path?
Applicable OSHA standards
29 CFR 1910.178, 29 CFR 1926.602
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