Today, June 10th, marks National Forklift Safety Day, a timely reminder that forklift safety isn’t just about protecting operators—it’s a critical component of running a compliant, efficient, and financially sound business. With over 68,000 industrial truck accidents reported each year, ensuring every forklift operator is properly trained and OSHA-compliant is more than best practice—it’s a legal and operational necessity.
Forklift Safety: A Company-Wide Concern
While forklift operators are on the front lines, the ripple effects of a forklift-related incident impact an entire company. Accidents involving untrained or uncertified operators can lead to:
- Severe injuries or fatalities
- OSHA fines reaching up to $161,323 per violation
- Increased insurance premiums
- Costly employee lawsuits
- Damaged reputation and lost contracts
In short, ignoring forklift safety can cost companies far more than compliance ever will.
OSHA Compliance is Non-Negotiable
According to OSHA, only trained and certified personnel are permitted to operate forklifts. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that training is site- and equipment-specific—even if the operator was certified elsewhere. Failure to meet these requirements opens the door to inspections, penalties, and potential legal action in the event of an accident.
How Thompson & Johnson Helps You Stay Compliant
At Thompson & Johnson, we make it easy for New York businesses to align with OSHA regulations through comprehensive and flexible training programs. Whether you’re onboarding new operators, refreshing current certifications, or building in-house training capabilities, we’ve got a course for you:
🚧 Forklift Operator Training
- Hands-on instruction tailored to your equipment and worksite.
- Certificate and operator permit issued upon successful completion.
👨🏫 Train-the-Trainer Program
- Empowers your team to conduct internal training and evaluations.
- Ideal for high-turnover environments or companies with frequent new hires.
🔧 Technical Training
- Manufacturer-led sessions on safe and efficient forklift maintenance.
- Great for companies wanting to handle their own repairs while minimizing risk.
- We offer training on-site at your location or at one of our four New York facilities in Syracuse, Schenectady, Binghamton, or Elmira, with weekday, weekend, and after-hours options available.
The Business Case for Safety
Investing in professional forklift training doesn’t just protect your workers—it protects your bottom line. Some of the key benefits include:
- Reduced risk of OSHA investigations and fines
- Lower insurance premiums
- Fewer equipment repairs and product damage
- Improved operational efficiency
Take Action This Forklift Safety Day
National Forklift Safety Day is the perfect time to review your current training protocols, identify gaps, and commit to a safer, more compliant workplace. Whether you’re looking to train a single operator or an entire team, Thompson & Johnson is here to help you make forklift safety a daily priority—not just an annual reminder.
📞 Call us today at (800) 589-5558 or email our team at training@thompsonandjohnson.com to schedule a class or get a quote. Let’s work together to create a safer, more productive environment for everyone.
Safety is more than compliance—it’s a commitment. Make yours count this National Forklift Safety Day.
