Under OSHA regulations, employers must evaluate each forklift operator's performance at least once every three years.
This requirement is specified in 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii), which states that "an evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years." Employers must also certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated. OSHA citations are frequently issued when employers fail to conduct these mandatory three-year evaluations.
Additional Evaluation Requirements
Beyond the three-year cycle, refresher training and a new evaluation are required sooner if:
The operator is observed operating unsafely
The operator is involved in an accident or a near-miss incident
The operator receives an evaluation that indicates unsafe operation
The operator is assigned to a different type of forklift
A workplace condition changes that could affect safe operation
The Bottom Line
OSHA requires forklift operator evaluations at least once every three years. However, employers must conduct additional evaluations and refresher training whenever an operator demonstrates unsafe behavior, is involved in an incident, or is assigned to new equipment or a changed work environment. Failure to comply with these evaluation requirements can result in OSHA citations and fines.