Powered Industrial Trucks – Operators Overview

Course Description 

Powered industrial trucks, such as forklifts, motorized pallet jacks, tuggers, and tow motors, are commonly used for lifting and transporting materials. Due to the significant risk of injury or even death associated with operating these vehicles, specific safety guidelines and training recommendations have been established. Operators should receive thorough initial training that covers facility-specific procedures, includes a hands-on skills demonstration in the workplace, and concludes with an evaluation. Additionally, employers are encouraged to offer refresher training for powered industrial truck operators when necessary.

Course Objectives 

• Recognize the different types and classes of powered industrial trucks.
• Recall the most common causes of powered industrial truck injuries and fatalities.
• Identify critical elements for the safe inspection and operation of a powered industrial truck, including stability and load handling, refueling, and changing or charging batteries.
• Recognize the most critical considerations for stopping a lift and/or ending a shift.

Requisite Knowledge 

None