Is a medical examination required before an employee may operate a forklift?

OSHA regulations do not require that forklift operators have a pre-operational physical examination. This is usually an element of a pre-employment examination, which is outside the scope of OSHA regulations. OSHA does, however, expect the employer to ensure that a forklift driver is physically qualified to operate the vehicle safely. In a letter of interpretation dated October 20, 1976, OSHA states that:

“The employer shall ensure that each power industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l).”

No specific mention is made of physical examination requirements. Ultimately, it is the employer’s responsibility, which may include physicians' guidance, to ensure that the workplace is safe for all employees.