National Forklift Safety Day Date in the current year: June 11, 2024

A forklift is a type of powered industrial truck that is used to lift and move heavy items over short distances. It was named after its crucial element — fork-like tines that slide underneath the load and scoop it up. Forklifts are an indispensable piece of material-handling equipment at manufacturing and construction sides, warehouses, and other industrial environments where workers have to deal with heavy loads.

The first forklift trucks were developed in the early 20th century. Among the first forklift manufacturers in the United States were Clark Material Handling Company, Towmotor Corporation, and Yale & Towne Manufacturing. The first electric power forklifts were developed in the 1930s, and the beginning of World War II spurred their use in the war effort. Modern forklifts were invented in the mid-20th century. During the 1950th and 1960th, special attention was paid to features designed to ensure operator safety.

There is a variety of forklift safety standards worldwide. In many countries, one must undergo training and certification to work as a forklift operator. Sometimes a forklift operator needs to acquire a separate certificate for each individual type of forklift they intend to operate.

When placing large loads that can obstruct their view, drivers are recommended to work with a spotter. In addition, there is special safety equipment that helps reduce occupational hazards associated with forklifts. It includes ultrasonic radars, pedestrian detection systems, and radio frequency systems.

Despite rigorous safety standards, between 35,000 and 62,000 injuries involving forklifts occur ever year. Some of the people injured in forklift accidents are pedestrians or bystanders, so while forklift safety is first and foremost associated with occupational hazard and workplace safety, it also has to do with safety in general. According to the estimates of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 70% of forklift accidents could have been prevented by adherence to safety practices.

National Forklift Safety Day has been observed every second Tuesday of June since 2014. It was created by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), North America’s leading organization of industrial truck manufacturers and suppliers of accessories and component parts. It aims to highlight the importance of proper operator training, regular equipment checks, and following the safety guidelines while operating forklifts.

On the occasion of National Forklift Safety Day, the Industrial Truck Association organizes seminars, workshops, demonstrations, training sessions, demonstrations, and other events that focus on the prevention of forklift accidents. These events are attended by representatives of forklift manufacturers and businesses that use forklifts in their operations.