Celebrating National Forklift Safety Day

This year, on June 11th, we are celebrating National Forklift Safety Day. This day recognizes the importance of safety in workplaces, serving as a reminder for proper training, maintenance, and safe practices. Forklifts play a crucial role in the material handling industry, but their power and utility come with risks that must be managed effectively. In honor of National Forklift Safety Day, we are promoting the safe use of forklifts and encouraging our members to utilize resources to encourage best practices.

The Development of National Forklift Safety Day

In 2014, National Forklift Safety Day was founded by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA). It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the safe use of forklifts and the importance of training. By educating and providing resources for the industry, we can all contribute to creating a safe work environment and preventing hazardous incidents.

You can register to attend ITA’s educational event for National Forklift Safety Day in Washington, D.C. online at www.indtrk.org/events.

Elevating Forklift Safety Today

In the material handling industry, there are various resources available to promote forklift safety within your business. These resources include industry training and certification programs to ensure your employees are well-versed in forklift operations. Many organizations, like us, provide information and resources to implement effective and safe practices.

Forklift Bootcamp: This course offers a basic understanding of the material handling industry, forklift products, and important terminology. The full Forklift Bootcamp five-part series, presented by Dave Baiocchi, President, Resonant Dealer Services LLC, is available through MHEDA’s Learning Management System and includes 4 hours of training on the set up and operations of a dealership, how forklifts work, ITA classes of lift trucks, components of a forklift, applications, and more. Learn more about MHEDA’s Forklift Bootcamp here.

Certified Forklift Technician Certification: MHEDA partnered with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) to develop the Certified Forklift Technician (CFT) Certification. This certification will give technical and community college students the tools to become trained technicians. Along with promoting the certification of students, current technicians in the workforce can earn their CFT by passing the online exam and hands-on assessment. You can learn more about the CFT Certification here.

Promoting a Culture of Safety

National Forklift Safety Day is a reminder of the importance of safe practices within all industries where forklifts are utilized. By embracing a proactive approach to forklift safety through training and education, businesses can protect lives, minimize risks, and drive sustainable growth. MHEDA is proud to spread awareness and promote actions that make the material handling industry safer and more efficient.

To further promote forklift safety within your workplace, you can download a free, printable PDF from OSHA promoting safe forklift operation here.

MHEDA Members: Many MHEDA Members are hosting special events, sales, consultations, and more in honor of National Forklift Day. Please reach out to istein@mheda.org with your initiatives during National Forklift Safety Day as we would love to promote your efforts.