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National Forklift Safety Day

Make sure your workplace is safe on National Forklift Safety Day - follow best practices and get certified for the highest safety standards!

Tuesday

June 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Tuesday in June

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On the second Tuesday of June, it's time to celebrate National Forklift Safety Day! This day was established to recognize the importance of forklift safety and to raise awareness of the potential hazards associated with their use. Forklifts are an essential piece of equipment in many workplaces, and proper training is essential for everyone who operates one. So take a few moments on this special day to review your forklift safety protocols and ensure that you're doing everything you can to stay safe while using these powerful machines!

TIMELINE

National Forklift Safety Day Timeline

First Forklift Design

The Tructractor, the first forklift model, was invented by workers at the Clark Material Handling Company to facilitate heavy material movement.

Hydraulic Lift Introduction

During this period, innovative companies like Hyster introduced hydraulic lifting mechanisms to forklift design, enhancing load-bearing capacities.

OSHA Formation

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 leads to the formation of OSHA, introducing stricter regulations for forklift operations.

OSHA Training Requirements

OSHA established specific training requirements for forklift operators, leading to improved safety measures in workplaces.

Inaugural National Forklift Safety Day

The Industrial Truck Association celebrated the first National Forklift Safety Day, aiming to raise awareness about safety measures when operating a forklift.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Forklift Safety Day

Read up on forklift safety

Take the time to brush up on the rules and regulations that govern forklift safety. It's important to keep up with the latest regulations and make sure that your facility is following the proper safety protocols.

ORGANIZE

Organize a safety seminar

Assemble a team of knowledgeable safety professionals to present a seminar that covers everything from forklift basics to advanced training topics. Invite employees to attend and provide them with a refresher course in forklift safety.

TAKE

Take a forklift safety quiz

Organize a quiz or test for employees to take to gauge their knowledge of forklift safety. This will help identify any areas that need more attention or training.

POST

Post reminders of safety tips

Posting reminders of safe operating procedures around the facility can be an effective way to reinforce forklift safety. Make sure to include instructions on how to properly operate the lift, as well as guidelines for safe loading and unloading.

HAVE

Have a forklift competition

Organize a competition between teams of employees using the forklifts in your facility. The goal should be to complete tasks in the most efficient and safest manner possible, with prizes for the winners.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Forklift Safety Day is Important

Forklift safety promotes efficiency

When forklifts are used correctly, their operators can move materials around quickly and efficiently - which can help streamline any workplace process. However, if safety protocols are not being followed properly, it can lead to long delays in operations or even total shutdowns. Celebrating National Forklift Safety Day each year helps raise awareness of proper procedure guidelines so that everyone can reap the benefits of efficient operations.

Forklift safety prevents accidents and injuries

Forklifts are an essential piece of equipment in many workplaces, but they can pose a serious risk to workers when they are not operated safely. Taking the time to properly train forklift operators and follow safety protocols is essential for avoiding accidents and injuries due to improper use of the machine.

Forklift safety reduces property damage

Improperly operated forklifts can cause costly damage to both the property itself (such as walls, floors, furniture, etc.) and to the goods themselves. Taking the time to ensure everyone operating a forklift understands proper safety procedures will help minimize the potential for costly property damage due to operator error.