A Shared Commitment to Workplace Safety
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is proud to recognize National Forklift Safety Day on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. This annual event—led by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) — highlights the importance of forklift safety and encourages businesses across the material handling industry to prioritize operator training, preventive maintenance, and a strong culture of workplace safety.
Forklifts play a vital role in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and job sites across North America. While these machines are essential to moving goods efficiently, their safe operation requires ongoing training, awareness, and accountability at every level of an organization.
More Than a Decade of Safety Leadership
Founded by ITA in 2014, National Forklift Safety Day brings together industry leaders, manufacturers, dealers, safety professionals, and policymakers to promote safe forklift operation and share best practices that help reduce workplace incidents.
The event serves as an annual reminder that forklift safety is not a one-time initiative—it is an ongoing commitment that requires continuous education, regular equipment inspections, and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
New Data Reinforces the Importance of Safety
Recent data underscore why forklift safety remains a critical focus for the industry. According to the latest available statistics:
- 84 workers died in incidents involving forklifts, order pickers, or powered platform trucks in 2024.
- This represents an increase from 67 fatalities reported in 2023.
- The most recent nonfatal injury data show that workers ages 25–34 experienced the highest number of forklift-related DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) cases.
While overall workplace safety continues to improve in many areas, these statistics demonstrate that forklift-related incidents remain a significant concern and reinforce the need for continued investment in training, maintenance, and safety programs. Read more about National Forklift Safety Day Statistics on our website.
MHEDA Resources Supporting Forklift Safety
MHEDA provides a variety of educational resources designed to help members strengthen their safety programs and workforce development efforts through our Learning Management System, including:
- Forklift Bootcamp
This five-part online course, presented by Dave Baiocchi, President of Resonant Dealer Services LLC, offers a comprehensive introduction to the forklift industry. The series covers dealership operations, forklift components, ITA classifications, and real-world applications—totaling over 4 hours of training. - Certified Forklift Technician (CFT) Certification
Developed in partnership with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), this certification equips both students and current technicians with the skills to safely and effectively maintain forklifts. Technicians can earn their certification through an online exam and hands-on assessment.
Building a Safer Future Together
National Forklift Safety Day provides an opportunity for the industry to pause, evaluate safety practices, and renew its commitment to protecting employees.
Whether through operator training, technician development, equipment maintenance, facility assessments, or workplace safety initiatives, every step taken toward improving safety contributes to a stronger and more resilient industry.
MHEDA proudly supports National Forklift Safety Day and encourages all material handling professionals to make safety a priority every day of the year.
About The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)
The MHEDA community is where industry professionals come to expand their network, strengthen their businesses, and elevate the material handling industry. Through educational programs, industry insights, shared best practices, and resources for every member, MHEDA is home to everyone in the material handling industry. Discover more about MHEDA and how we empower the material handling industry at www.mheda.org.
