Is a vision/hearing test required before an employee may operate a forklift?

OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard does not specifically address vision/hearing requirements for operators. However, even though OSHA doesn’t specifically address it in the regulation, there are obviously some potential concerns and safety issues and these need to be evaluated in light of the specific operations. In fact, in an October 20, 1976 (edited 2000) Letter of Interpretation, OSHA says that an employer must determine if full vision is mandatory for the operations and advises that appropriate medical personnel be consulted.

And, OSHA has issued other interpretations addressing both visual and hearing impaired potential forklift operators. In general, OSHA states that it considers physical impairments on a case-by-case basis. If the employer can show that a physically impaired employee would be a danger to himself and other employees when operating equipment such as a forklift, the employer has the right to not allow that employee to become a forklift operator. If the employer knew this fact, but allowed the employee to operate the vehicle, OSHA could cite under the General Duty Clause which guarantees all employees a safe and healthful workplace — free of known hazards.