Forklifts—also known as powered industrial trucks—are essential tools in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and construction sites. When operated properly, they improve efficiency and productivity. When operated improperly, however, forklifts can cause serious injuries, fatalities, and costly property damage. For February 2026, Continental Business Solutions’ Safety Services is highlighting Forklift Training to help employers ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance.
Why Forklift Training Is Critical
Forklift-related incidents often result from inadequate training, unauthorized operation, improper load handling, or poor traffic control. OSHA consistently ranks powered industrial truck violations among the most frequently cited standards. Comprehensive forklift training helps reduce accidents, protects pedestrians, and reinforces accountability for both operators and employers.
Training Focus Areas
Our Forklift Training program provides practical, job-specific instruction to ensure operators understand their responsibilities and operate equipment safely in real-world conditions. Key training topics include:
Operator Authorization and Responsibilities
Only trained and authorized employees should operate forklifts. Training covers operator qualifications, employer authorization requirements, and the responsibilities operators have to follow safe work practices and report unsafe conditions.
Load Capacity, Stability, and Safe Travel
Improper load handling is a leading cause of forklift tip-overs. Employees learn how to read data plates, understand load capacity and stability principles, and travel safely with loads—both loaded and unloaded.
Pre-Operation Inspections
Daily inspections are critical to identifying mechanical issues before they lead to incidents. Training emphasizes required inspection elements, documentation, and the importance of removing unsafe equipment from service.
Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Control
Forklifts and pedestrians often share the same workspaces. We focus on right-of-way rules, designated travel paths, signage, mirrors, and communication techniques to reduce struck-by incidents.
Refueling and Battery-Charging Safety
Improper refueling or battery charging can create fire, explosion, or chemical exposure hazards. Training addresses safe procedures for propane, diesel, gasoline, and electric-powered forklifts, including ventilation, PPE, and spill response considerations.
Regulatory Compliance
Our Forklift Training aligns with applicable federal and state requirements, helping employers meet compliance obligations, including:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
- Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3668 – Industrial Trucks
By incorporating regulatory requirements into hands-on, practical training, Continental Business Solutions helps employers reduce citation risks while building safer, more efficient operations.
Partner with Continental Business Solutions
Continental Business Solutions offers customized forklift training programs tailored to your equipment types, work environment, and operational needs. From initial certification and refresher training to operator evaluations and policy support, our Safety Services team is committed to helping you protect your workforce and maintain compliance.
Make safety a priority this February. Forklift Training is a key step in preventing injuries, safeguarding pedestrians, and keeping your operations moving safely and efficiently.
Continental Business Solutions – Business Solutions for Today’s Workforce.
