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The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) hosted its National Forklift Safety Day 2026 event today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
The 13th annual event was held in-person and livestreamed free of charge and open to anyone interested in advancing workplace safety. Forklift manufacturers highlighted the safe use of lift trucks, the importance of operator training, and the need for daily equipment inspections.
The event also included an educational session and reception yesterday for in-person attendees.
"ITA is proud to host the 13th National Forklift Safety Day and to reaffirm our industry's commitment to safety," said Brian Feehan, ITA president. "As our industry continues to evolve, the importance of comprehensive forklift operator training and a strong safety culture has never been greater. National Forklift Safety Day serves as an important reminder - and a call to action - to keep safety at the forefront of our operations every day, year after year."
ITA continued the successful format established in previous years, featuring presentations from government regulators, safety experts, and material handling industry leaders. ITA said this consistent approach can help ensure a valuable forum for sharing insights, reinforcing regulatory compliance and best practices, and advancing the industry’s nationwide commitment to ensuring incident-free workplaces.
Speakers at National Forklift Safety Day 2026 included:
"As the material handling landscape rapidly adopts new technologies and automated solutions, the human element remains our most critical asset," Feehan said. "Hosting the 13th annual National Forklift Safety Day allows our industry to realign on the fundamentals: comprehensive operator education and proactive daily equipment checks. Safety cannot be a secondary priority; it must be incorporated directly into the culture of every warehouse, manufacturing floor, and distribution center across the country."
Work Safety 24/7 is just one publication of Peerless Media. Read more National Forklift Safety Day coverage from our other brands, Modern Materials Handling and Logistics Management.
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Donald Halsing is the Founding Editorial Director of Work Safety 24/7. He was formerly the Associate Editor of Robotics 24/7.
Don's experience spans the supply chain, logistics, and construction industries, having worked in both warehouse operations and land surveying. He is also a professional wedding photographer with his fiancée Ashley.
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