General Safety: Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts)

On December 1st, 1999 OSHA updated it’s standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, 29 CFR 1910.178. After research demonstrated over 40,000 accidents each year are due to unsafe forklift operation, OSHA has beefed-up their training requirements for powered industrial truck operators. Powered industrial trucks covered by this regulation include fork trucks, motorized pallet jacks, and platform lift trucks.

Cornell University employees utilize nearly sixty forklifts through out our campus. A database of all the powered industrial trucks on campus is maintained by EH&S, as well as a listing of all the trained operators.  Any employee who operates a department forklift must first receive operator safety training and an evaluation of their operating skills.  Upon completion of this training each successful participant receives an operators card, which is valid for up to three years.  Please contact EH&S at 255-8200 to schedule training or if your department is looking to purchase a new powered industrial truck.