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Cal/OSHA vs. Federal OSHA: Forklift Certification Requirements

Published: June 2025

Cal/OSHA vs. Federal OSHA: Forklift Certification Requirements

Understanding the differences between Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA is essential for employers and safety professionals working with powered industrial trucks (PITs) such as  sit-down forklifts, stand-up and reach forklifts, order pickers, electric pallet jacks,turret lifts and many others. 

While both agencies aim to improve workplace safety, Cal/OSHA imposes stricter and more detailed regulations that go beyond the federal baseline. If your organization operates in California, failing to comply can lead to significant fines and enforcement actions.

What Is Federal OSHA and How Does Cal/OSHA Differ?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in workplaces across the United States. OSHA provides training, outreach, education, and assistance to help employers ensure a safe working environment.

Cal/OSHA, or the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, is one of 22 states that operate an OSHA-approved state plan. These plans must be at least as effective as federal standards—but California often goes further, requiring more stringent safety practices and documentation.

Tip: If your business operates in California, you must comply with both Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA requirements, with Cal/OSHA taking precedence where it is stricter.

Regulatory Scope: Who Regulates What?

You can find more about these regulations at OSHA.gov and dir.ca.gov.

Certification and Safety Requirements

Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.178)

Cal/OSHA (GISO §3668 + others)

Forklift Certification Rules: Federal OSHA vs. Cal/OSHA

Evaluation Frequency

Refresher Training Triggers

Seat Belt Use

Training Documentation

Penalties and Enforcement Actions

Cal/OSHA is known for thorough inspections and stricter enforcement. Its penalties for noncompliance are often higher and more precise than Federal OSHA’s.

Cal/OSHA Penalties (as of Jan 2025):

Federal OSHA Penalties (as of Jan 2025):

Real Case Study: Cal/OSHA Incident Investigation 

Company: Red Dipper, Inc. (San Francisco, CA)
Incident: November 20, 2020; Worker operating a forklift jumped out of the cab to avoid being crushed by the tip over. This resulted in 4 broken ribs and hospitalization.

Applicable Rule: Cal/OSHA §3328(A(2))

"[All machinery and equipment] shall not be used or operated under conditions of speeds, stresses, loads, or environmental conditions that are contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations or, where such recommendations are not available, the engineered design."

Violation Classification: Serious
Penalty: $10,800
Additional Penalties:

Total Penalties: $11,410

Inspection: 1503729.015

What Employers Should Do

Bottom Line: Proactive safety training, clear documentation, and routine evaluations are the best defense against injuries—and penalties.

Takeaways

For further details, refer to:

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