The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is proud to recognize National Forklift Safety Day on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. This annual event—led by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) —brings attention to the critical importance of forklift safety and encourages businesses to prioritize training, maintenance, and a culture of safety across all operations.
Forklifts are essential tools in the material handling industry, but their power and utility come with inherent risks. National Forklift Safety Day serves as a vital reminder that proper training and preventive measures save lives.
A Decade of Promoting Safety
Founded in 2014 by ITA, National Forklift Safety Day has become a key moment each year for the industry to reaffirm its commitment to workplace safety. Through education, training, and awareness, the goal is to reduce preventable incidents and promote a safer environment for all employees working with or around forklifts.
Safety Data and Industry Insights
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- 67 workers died in forklift-related incidents in 2023.
- Nonfatal injury data for 2021–2022 shows the highest number of DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) cases occurred among workers aged 25–34.
- 17.4% of DART cases involved female workers during that same period.
- In 2023, fatal injuries peaked among workers aged 45–54.
It’s important to note that BLS has shifted to biennial nonfatal injury reporting, and 2023 data uses new classification categories, meaning comparisons across years should be made with care. Read more about National Forklift Safety Day Statistics on our website.
MHEDA Resources Supporting Forklift Safety
MHEDA provides valuable educational tools through our Learning Management System to help members strengthen their forklift safety programs, including:
Forklift Bootcamp
This five-part online course, presented by Dave Baiocchi, President of Resonant Dealer Services LLC, offers a comprehensive introduction to the forklift industry. The series covers dealership operations, forklift components, ITA classifications, and real-world applications—totaling over 4 hours of training.
Certified Forklift Technician (CFT) Certification
Developed in partnership with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), this certification equips both students and current technicians with the skills to safely and effectively maintain forklifts. Technicians can earn their certification through an online exam and hands-on assessment.
Visit the MHEDA website to explore more forklift safety resources.
Building a Safer Future Together
Forklift safety is not a one-day initiative—it’s a continuous commitment. By investing in training, fostering accountability, and staying informed on the latest safety data, companies can reduce risk, protect their teams, and strengthen their operations.
MHEDA proudly supports National Forklift Safety Day and encourages all industry professionals to take action toward a safer, smarter workplace.
About The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA):
The MHEDA community is where industry professionals come to expand their network, strengthen their businesses, and elevate the material handling industry. Through educational programs, industry insights, shared best practices, and resources for every member, MHEDA is home to everyone in the material handling industry. Discover more about MHEDA and how we empower the material handling industry at www.mheda.org.