Forklifts are crucial to various industries, such as construction, warehouses, logistics, and manufacturing. There are multiple types, and operating them requires expertise to ensure workplace safety and efficiency. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift accidents cause approximately 34,900 serious injuries and 85 fatalities annually in the United States alone, highlighting the critical importance of proper training. A good safety training program ensures your operators are confident enough to handle this powered industrial truck. Discover nine top-rated safety training programs for forklift operators.

1. Eastern Lift Truck Co.

Eastern Lift Truck Co. stands out with its exceptional forklift operator safety training program. With more than 20 locations spread across the mid-Atlantic region, this company delivers comprehensive education plans alongside a diverse range of warehouse equipment, including autonomous mobile robots, trash compactors, and railcar movers. Their Safety Training class fully complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, guaranteeing that your operators develop the essential skills needed for safe operation. For added convenience, their experienced trainers can bring the program directly to your facility, tailoring the curriculum to address your organization's specific requirements and operational challenges.

Top training programs offered:

Operator Certification Training

Safety Training Class

Class I: Electric rider trucks Class II: Electric narrow aisle and very narrow aisle trucks Class III: Walk-behind and ride-on electric hand pallet jacks, tow tractors and low-level order pickers Class IV: Internal combustion engine (ICE) cushion tire trucks Class V: ICE pneumatic tire trucks Class VI: Ride-on tuggers Class VII: Rough terrain forklift trucks Class VIII: Personnel and burden carriers

CPR/First Aid/AED/Bloodborne Pathogens OSHA 10- and 30-Hour General Industry and Construction General Lockout/Tagout Mock OSHA Audits Crystalline Silica Respiratory Fit Testing General Confined Space Fall Protection and Pedestrian Safety General Fire Extinguisher HazCom Battery and Charger

Key features:

• Offers “in-house” training classes in York, Pennsylvania, every second Tuesday of the month and in Vineland, New Jersey, every second Monday of the month
• Includes a practical and hands-on evaluation that meets OSHA 1910.178 requirements
• Provides bilingual training resources to support Spanish-speaking operators

2. Crown Equipment

Crown Equipment is one of the leading material handling companies. Established in 1960, it designs and manufactures up to 85% of its lift truck components, including drive units, electronic modules, and motors. It offers warehouse, automated, and energy solutions.

The company’s trained instructors provide industrial lift truck safety information with highly visual presentations and hands-on training. It also has education programs for service technicians, training departments, pedestrians, and supervisors.

Top training programs offered:

Forklift Operator Training	TrainSafe Train-the-Trainer Program
Full-service Demonstrated Performance MoveSafe Train-the-Operator lessons Safe operating habits Safety videos and resources	11-step hands-on training and habit development process Three-year reevaluations Safety workshops Warehouse inspection

Key features:

• Offers training programs in English and Spanish
• Provides operator manuals with clear instructions and informative illustrations
• Includes lift truck-specific tests in each operator training program

3. Cintas

Cintas traces its roots back to 1929 when Doc and Amelia Farmer established what was then called Acme Wiper and Industrial Laundry, a company that supplied commercial towels throughout the country. The business has evolved dramatically, providing work apparel, facility services, fire protection solutions, and various education programs.
Their comprehensive Forklift Safety Training program covers critical areas, including pre-use inspection techniques and instruction on safe loading and refueling procedures. Flexibility is a key feature of their training approach, as clients can select from three distinct delivery formats, engaging instructor-led sessions, convenient online modules, or a structured DVD compliance program that meets regulatory requirements.

Top training formats offered:

Instructor-led	Online	DVD Compliance Program
Low instructor-member ratio to maintain engagement On-site scheduling or open enrollment at a local Cintas facility Systematized classes for single or multiple facilities Flexible scheduling to ensure all shifts are covered	More than 250 interactive courses Ability to tailor course curriculum based on company needs All topics are OSHA-compliant Quizzes Easy-to-use recordkeeping system to track forklift operators’ progress	Instructor guides to help administer training in your facility State-of-the-art training videos and PowerPoint presentations Customizable written program to ensure compliance Accessible language to make OSHA standards more understandable

Key features:

• Offers various training formats to suit every business need
• Provides other safety training courses, including first aid, CPR, safety management and automated external defibrillator (AED) classes
• Allows clients to customize their safety training programs based on the nature and location of worksites

4. Forklifts Group

Forklifts Group offers training for forklift operators online, at its headquarters, or client facilities. It has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, making it one of the top-rated safety training program providers nationwide.

All classes are OSHA-compliant, ensuring the best learning experience for your operators. Aside from its extensive collection of safety instruction courses, the company provides rental services, new equipment, and used machinery. Contact the business online to learn more about its offerings.

Top training programs offered:

Forklift Operator Training	OSHA 10 & 30 Outreach (General Industry)
Meets the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 standard Forklift fundamentals Operator skills and responsibilities Pedestrian safety Legal liability Hazard recognition	OSHA-developed classes Safety information on fundamental OSHA standards Taught by an OSHA authorized general industry trainer Held at customer locations

Key features:

• Offers written testing, classroom instruction, and hands-on evaluations
• Covers sit-down, elevated order picker, narrow aisle reach, pallet jacks, walkie stackers, and rough terrain telescopic lifts

5. ForkliftTraining.Com

ForkliftTraining.com offers flexible, online training programs that meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, ANSI B56.1, and CSA B335-15 standards. It provides affordable and easy-to-use instruction solutions for forklift operators. Leading companies like Cat, The Home Depot, Amazon, and ACE Hardware trust the expertise of this course provider.

Choose between English and Spanish to ensure your operators fully understand the lessons. Purchase the course online, share it with your employees, and acquire certification upon completion.

Top training programs offered:

Forklift Train-the-Trainer Online Course Outline	Online Forklift Certification Training
Meets the CSA B335-15 safety standards for lift trucks Forklift fundamentals Trainer roles and responsibilities Training methodology and design Training classes and workshops Practical evaluations	Lift truck overview, incidents and contributing factors Standards and legislation Training and physical requirements Equipment types Features, attachments and preoperational inspections Stability and capacity General operation and safety, such as truck and accessory selection, startup, traveling and shutdown procedures Refueling or recharging safety procedures

Key features:

• Complies with OSHA, CSA and ANSI standards
• Offers flexible and convenient online training
• Provides a universally recognized certification in the U.S and Canada

6. National Safety Council (NSC)

NSC is a mission-based organization focused on promoting safety in all industries. It provides best-in-class workplace training to reduce work-related casualties yearly. Its virtual Lift Truck Operator – Train-the-Trainer course helps operators meet safety standards and OSHA requirements.

Forklift operator trainers will learn how to develop and deliver design exercises for staff evaluation and instruct people on how to work safely around forklifts.

Top training programs offered:

Lift Truck Operator – Train-the-Trainer	Effective Safety Management Practices I
Meets OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Standard 1910.178 and 1926.602 compliance Information on evaluating operators’ performance How to educate non-operators about safety procedures around forklifts Safety procedures and maintenance	An effective safety management system Personal leadership skill assessment Tools for evaluating safety How to build a positive safety culture in the organization

Key features:

• Teaches forklift operator trainers how to effectively train their team
• Offers discounts to NSC members

7. The Raymond Corp.

The Raymond Corp., part of the Toyota Industries family, delivers premium material handling products and innovative intralogistics solutions. Their E-Learning Safety on the Move program trains forklift operators on safe travel, proper operations, and inspection protocols. This versatile program can be customized to your organization's specific requirements. Additionally, Raymond offers specialized education for forklift technicians, teaching maintenance best practices and repair techniques to ensure equipment reliability.

Top training programs offered:

E-Learning Safety on the Move	Technician Training
Lift truck inspection using the operator's daily checklist Safe travel workplace procedures Docks and ramps operation requirements Assistance in satisfying OSHA’s regulatory forklift training	Modern maintenance procedures Latest technologies, tools and practices to ensure forklifts remain operational

Key features:

• Offers training at its headquarters or your facility
• Customizes your training program depending on your organization’s needs

What to Look for in a Forklift Operator Safety Training Program

Choosing the right program represents a critical investment in both team safety and workplace efficiency. Keep these essential factors in mind when assessing training options for your operators.

Compliance with OSHA and Local Regulations

Ensure any program you select meets all OSHA compliance standards. Poor quality training significantly raises the risk of accidents, underscoring why thorough education is fundamental for reducing workplace incidents.

Be aware that regulatory frameworks differ geographically. Several states implement requirements that go beyond federal OSHA guidelines. Take the necessary steps to understand your state's particular regulations to guarantee full compliance in your training selection.

Instructor Qualifications

Inquire about the instructor’s industry experiences and qualifications. The right trainer must have the knowledge, education and experience to teach operators and evaluate their competence.

They must communicate complex information effectively, demonstrate safety procedures clearly and engage trainees.

Training Content

A robust curriculum must cover essential topics, such as:

• Overview of different forklift types
• Safety procedures and hazard recognition
• Potential consequences of unsafe operations
• Preoperation inspections and maintenance
• Load handling
• Proper techniques for starting, stopping, steering and maneuvering the forklift
  

Ask your potential training program provider if it provides these courses.

Accessibility

Language accessibility is critical, especially if you have a diverse workforce. This ensures all forklift operators receive and comprehend safety training effectively. For instance, Eastern Lift Truck Co. offers bilingual resources to support Spanish-speaking forklift operators.

Ensure the program provider includes professional translation of materials or interpretation services.

Select From These 7 Leading Safety Training Programs for Forklift Operators

Investing in proper forklift safety training directly impacts your workplace safety culture and operational success. Take time to examine the seven exceptional providers featured here, carefully weighing the strengths and limitations of each program against your specific organizational requirements.

By enrolling your team in the right training program, you'll not only create a significantly safer working environment but also build the foundation for enhanced productivity and business growth for years to come.