National Forklift Safety Day Highlights the Importance of Warehouse Safety 

Every day, forklifts help move the products, raw materials, and inventory that keep supply chains running. In warehouse operations, they are among the most essential pieces of equipment on the floor. 

They are also among the most commonly involved pieces of equipment in workplace incidents.  

National Forklift Safety Day, observed annually on the second Tuesday in June, was established by the Industrial Truck Association in 2014 to raise awareness around safe forklift operation, operator training, and pedestrian safety. The day serves as a reminder that safety is an ongoing commitment shared by 3PL providers, operators, supervisors, facility leaders, and every employee who works around powered industrial trucks. 

According to industry safety data, between 35,000 and 62,000 forklift-related injuries occur each year in the United States, and OSHA estimates that approximately 70% of forklift accidents are preventable. In addition, more than one-third of forklift-related fatalities involve pedestrians rather than operators. 

These statistics demonstrate that safety depends on both equipment operators and the people working around them. 

Why forklifts remain essential

Forklifts have been essential to industrial operations for more than a century. They are designed to move heavy materials efficiently and have transformed warehouse and manufacturing productivity by reducing manual labor and improving the speed of material movement. 

Today’s forklifts range from smaller units capable of handling 3,000 to 5,000 pounds to larger models that can lift tens of thousands of pounds. They are used to load railcars, unload trailers, replenish warehouse inventory, support manufacturing operations, and move products throughout distribution networks. 

The same capabilities that make forklifts indispensable also make safety critical. However, heavy loads, limited visibility, pedestrian traffic, and fast-paced operations can create risk when proper procedures are not followed. 

Safety starts before the forklift moves 

One of the most effective ways to prevent incidents is through thorough pre-shift inspections. Before a forklift enters operation, trained operators should verify that crucial systems are functioning properly and that there are no safety concerns. 

Daily inspection routines should include checks of: 

Inspection Area	What to Verify
Tires and wheels	Wear, inflation, and missing wheel nuts
Forks and mast	Cracks, damage, and proper operation
Lift and tilt systems	Smooth operation and visible defects
Brakes and steering	Proper responsiveness and control
Horn, lights, and mirrors	Full functionality and visibility
Capacity plate	Legible and undamaged condition
Fuel or power source	Adequate operating levels

These daily checks help identify maintenance concerns before they become operational or safety issues. A consistent inspection process also reinforces a culture where operators actively participate in workplace safety. 

Training remains the strongest safety tool

Training remains one of the most effective safeguards against forklift incidents. 

Forklift operators must understand how to operate equipment and how to assess loads, navigate warehouse environments, recognize hazards, and respond to changing conditions. Ongoing training helps reinforce best practices and ensures operators remain current on equipment, procedures, and facility requirements. 

One other thing to note is that many serious incidents involve pedestrians who may not fully recognize forklift operating zones, blind spots, or stopping distances. Creating safe facilities requires 

• Clear traffic patterns 

• Designated pedestrian walkways 

• Visual warnings 

• Constant awareness from everyone on the warehouse floor 

National Forklift Safety Day emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility. Operators, supervisors, maintenance teams, warehouse associates, visitors, and contractors all help prevent incidents. 

Build a stronger safety culture 

The safest facilities are often those where safety discussions occur regularly rather than only after an incident. 

Many organizations use daily safety meetings and shift-start discussions. Others incorporate “safety moments” into meetings to keep awareness top of mind. These conversations provide an opportunity to make observations, identify risks, and emphasize expectations before work begins. 

A strong safety culture also empowers employees to report concerns, ask questions, and stop unsafe activities when necessary.  

A reminder worth recognizing 

National Forklift Safety Day is about recognizing the people who safely operate equipment every day. It’s also a great time to reflect on the practices that protect everyone in the workplace. 

Since forklift safety directly impacts employee wellbeing, operational performance, and business continuity, every inspection completed and training session conducted contributes to a stronger and safer operation. 

As National Forklift Safety Day is observed across the industry, it serves as an opportunity to thank lift truck operators, reinforce safe operating practices, and recommit to creating workplaces where safety remains the highest priority.