Powered Industrial Trucks: Operators’ Overview

Powered industrial trucks like forklifts, motorized pallet jacks, tuggers, tow motors and other powered equipment are used every day to lift and move equipment or materials. Because of the high risk of injury and even death while operating a powered industrial truck, some use and training recommendations have been developed to improve safety. Specifically, it is recommended that powered industrial truck operators receive comprehensive initial training, including facility specifics, a hands-on skill demonstration in the workplace and an evaluation. Employers are also encouraged to provide refresher training on powered industrial trucks under certain circumstances.