roadrat:

Apparently you haven't been in any of the big box stores lately. This is a common practice. Most of these stores use cell phones for work activity. It seems they also allow personnel to use their personal cell phones whenever and wherever they so desire.

This is just another indication of poor training or lack of training. It is also a good indication of poor supervision.

I agree with you that it is a bad practice to use a cell phone while operating a forklift truck (or any other powered industrial truck). It is an accident waiting to happen.

Good trainers will address this issue, as well as eating, drinking, or smoking while operating a forklift, as an industry best practice.

Don't hold your breath for OSHA or the safety community in general to address the issue.