Quick facts
| Who enforces in New York | Federal OSHA (private employers) — OSHA State Plans |
|---|---|
| Rule that applies | Federal 29 CFR 1910.178 — formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of each operator's performance in the workplace. |
| Nearest listed office | OSHA Manhattan and Queens District area offices (official list) |
| Local jobs | 24,720 operators, mean $25.03/hr, New York-Newark-Jersey City metro (BLS, May 2025) |
| Where | Online, available to workers and employers in New York City. No local classroom or office. |
| Price | $69 per operator; team seats $49, $45, $42, $39 or $35 by volume |
| Certificate | Same day after you pass the final exam |
| Wallet card | Printed and mailed to you |
| Spanish | Yes — full course, exam and certificate in Spanish |
What are the forklift rules in New York City?
Federal OSHA enforces forklift rules for private employers in New York. New York's OSHA-approved state plan covers only state and local government workers (OSHA State Plans).
Federal 29 CFR 1910.178 — formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation of each operator's performance in the workplace.
What is specific to New York City?
Private employers in New York City are covered by federal OSHA, which lists Manhattan, Queens District and Long Island among its New York area offices. New York's state plan covers only public-sector workers.
One NYC-specific point: since November 7, 2024, the NYC Department of Buildings requires a Hoisting Machine Operator license for rotating telehandlers, with exemptions. Forklifts are not covered by that requirement (NYC DOB).
The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area employs about 24,720 industrial truck and tractor operators at a mean wage of $25.03 an hour (BLS OEWS, May 2025, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)).
How do you get forklift certified in New York City?
OSHA says employers "must certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated," and that formal instruction may include "interactive computer learning" (OSHA eTool). That is how the four steps below fit together for New York City operators.
- 1. Take the online course: formal instruction on forklift classes 1–6, stability, loads, inspections and site hazards, at your own pace, in English or Spanish.
- 2. Pass the final exam: free retakes, and a digital certificate the same day you pass.
- 3. Complete the hands-on evaluation with your employer, on the trucks and at the site where you will work. We provide the evaluation form.
- 4. Your employer certifies the training and evaluation; your wallet card arrives by mail.
How can New York City employers train a team?
New York City employers can buy team seats at $49, $45, $42, $39 or $35 per seat depending on volume, assign workers from an employer dashboard, and track self-paced progress, exam results and certificates in one place.
Crews can take the course in Spanish or English, and the employer dashboard keeps records you can download. The employer still conducts and documents the hands-on evaluation at your site.
Start forklift training online
Self-paced forklift operator training for classes 1–6 is $69 per operator, with team pricing from $49 per seat at 50+ seats. Pay with just your email, sign in, and start in minutes.