Published: July 2025
In warehouse and industrial operations, forklift safety isn't a one-and-done achievement. It's an ongoing process of training, assessment, and reinforcement. According to OSHA regulations, forklift operators are required to undergo formal training and evaluation before operating powered industrial trucks. But many supervisors and HR professionals aren’t clear on when that certification expires—or what triggers the need for a refresher.
Let’s clear that up. Understanding the “when” and “why” behind forklift certification renewal can help you stay compliant, reduce accidents, and keep your workforce operating efficiently.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.178(l), all forklift operators must receive proper training and be evaluated by a competent person before being allowed to operate a powered industrial truck in the workplace.
Key Points from OSHA Regulation 1910.178(l):
You can review the OSHA standard directly here: OSHA 1910.178(l)
OSHA doesn’t set a specific renewal cycle, like every year or every three years. Instead, it requires refresher training when certain conditions occur:
1. Unsafe Operation Has Been Observed
If an operator is seen using a forklift in an unsafe manner—speeding, striking racking, ignoring signals—they must be retrained.
2. An Accident or Near Miss Has Occurred
Any incident involving a forklift, whether it caused injury, damage, or was narrowly avoided, triggers a refresher requirement.
3. A New Type of Forklift Is Introduced
If your facility brings in a different class of powered truck (e.g., moving from a sit-down rider to a stand-up reach truck), training specific to that truck is required.
4. Changes in Workplace Conditions
If you rearrange your warehouse layout, introduce new ramps, narrow aisles, or operate outdoors for the first time, retraining is needed to reflect the new environment.
5. Performance Evaluation Indicates a Need
OSHA mandates performance evaluations at least once every three years. If the evaluation shows a skills gap or unsafe behavior, refresher training must be provided.
Renewal training isn’t just an OSHA checkbox. It’s a proactive way to:
Refresher courses are also a great opportunity to align your team with updated company policies, reinforce communication standards, and recognize good safety performance.
Supervisors and HR departments often make the mistake of:
To remain OSHA-compliant, training and evaluations must be documented, specifying the operator, the date of training, and the name of the trainer/evaluator.
Q: Does forklift certification expire after three years?
A: Yes, OSHA requires a performance evaluation every three years, but refresher training is only required under certain conditions.
Q: Can you do refresher training in-house?
A: Yes, as long as the trainer is qualified and the training meets OSHA requirements. Prosafe offers flexible on-site refresher training for large groups as well as trainers.
Q: How long does refresher training take?
A: It varies. If the operator needs a full retraining, it could take several hours. A focused session after a near miss might only require 1–2 hours.
Q: What records are required for OSHA compliance?
A: You must document the operator's name, training date, type of truck used, and who performed the training/evaluation.
Q: What happens if an uncertified operator causes an accident?
A: The employer can face steep fines, lawsuits, or increased liability. Operators must be certified before using powered trucks.
Forklift refresher training isn’t just a regulation—it’s a responsibility. For supervisors and HR leaders, staying ahead of training needs shows a commitment to workplace safety and employee development. When operators know what’s expected and feel confident in their skills, they work more safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
Be proactive. Stay compliant. And most importantly, keep your people safe.
For full guidance on OSHA forklift training, visit OSHA’s official forklift page.