Forklift Training in Ontario: A Legal and Safety Imperative

Forklifts are essential tools in warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities across Ontario. But with their utility comes serious risk. Improper forklift operation remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in industrial settings. As legal and human resources consultants, Workplace Law Consulting Inc. emphasizes that forklift training is not just a best practice—it’s a legal obligation.

Why Forklift Training is Legally Required

Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers are required to ensure that workers are “competent” to operate powered equipment, including lift trucks. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) routinely inspects workplaces to verify that operators have received adequate training.

In addition, CSA Standard B335-15 outlines national guidelines for the safe operation of lift trucks, including mandatory refresher training every 3 years. Employers that fail to meet these standards risk fines, liability in the event of an incident, and reputational damage.

Common Legal Pitfalls We See:

• No documentation of training or certification
• Outdated or expired forklift training records
• Operators trained only via “on-the-job” methods
• No re-evaluation after a workplace incident or change in equipment

What Proper Forklift Training Should Include

At Workplace Law Consulting Inc., we advise clients to ensure their forklift training programs include:

• Classroom Instruction: Covers legislation, hazard awareness, stability principles, and safe operating procedures.
• Hands-On Practical Training: Operators must demonstrate competency in maneuvering, lifting, and parking.
• Written and Practical Evaluations: Both theoretical knowledge and physical skills are tested.
• Documentation: Detailed records must be kept of the training provided, including instructor credentials and evaluation results.

For those located in the Greater Toronto Area, in-class forklift training is available at Workplace Law Consulting Inc. in Concord, Ontario. We collaborate with certified instructors to offer comprehensive courses that comply with OHSA and CSA standards. Training is available for:

Counterbalance forklifts (Class 1, 4, 5)

Narrow aisle reach trucks

Electric pallet jacks and walkies

Order pickers and more

Sessions can be customized for new operators, experienced operators requiring re-certification, or company-wide compliance initiatives.

Our Role as Legal Advisors
As compliance consultants, our role is not to deliver the training directly, but to:

Audit existing training programs for legal sufficiency

Guide HR and safety managers on training documentation practices

Assist in developing written safety procedures

Provide investigation support in the event of a forklift-related incident

Ensure overall compliance with Ministry inspections and orders