OSHA’s Ongoing Focus on Powered Industrial Trucks in Cannabis Facilities
Forklifts officially known as Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs) play a vital role in nearly every cannabis operation, from cultivation warehouses and extraction labs to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution centers. Yet these same vehicles continue to be one of the most common sources of OSHA citations each year.
In 2024, Powered Industrial Trucks ranked #8 on OSHA’s Top Ten Most Cited Standards, marking a persistent compliance problem across multiple industries, including cannabis. For cannabis businesses, where margins are tight and safety programs are still maturing, forklift safety often falls through the cracks leading to avoidable injuries, costly fines, and reputational risk.
Cannabis Warehouses and Distribution Centers Face Elevated Risk
The cannabis sector’s rapid growth has driven a surge in large-scale operations that rely heavily on material handling equipment. Forklifts and pallet jacks are now essential for moving soil, plants, packaged goods, and raw materials.
However, many operators come from agricultural or retail backgrounds rather than traditional manufacturing, meaning they may lack structured training programs or routine safety inspections required under OSHA Standard 1910.178.
According to safety consultants working in the sector, common violations in cannabis facilities include:
Untrained or uncertified forklift operators working without documented instruction.
Lack of daily inspection logs for tires, brakes, and lifting mechanisms.
Failure to tag and remove defective equipment from service.
Improper refueling or battery charging areas, often lacking required ventilation or signage.
Inadequate pedestrian safety controls, especially in dual use grow and storage areas.
Each of these violations can lead to injuries and significant fines especially when multiple forklifts operate in confined, high traffic grow environments.
OSHA Requires More Than Just a Training Video
Many cannabis companies believe providing a short safety video or in-house briefing meets OSHA’s training standard, but that’s not enough. Under 1910.178(l), operators must complete formal instruction, practical training, and a performance evaluation. Refresher training is also required if an operator is involved in an incident or observed operating unsafely.
OSHA inspectors often ask for detailed documentation—such as attendance sheets, written assessments, and equipment-specific training records. Without this paper trail, even a well-intentioned safety program can fail an audit.
The Cost of Noncompliance Adds Up Quickly
Fines for violations of the powered industrial truck standard can range from $15,000 to $20,000 per incident, depending on the severity and whether the infraction is deemed “serious” or “willful.”
But the real costs go beyond penalties. An accident involving a forklift can result in:
Employee injuries and lost workdays
Equipment and product damage
Increased insurance premiums
Negative publicity and regulatory scrutiny
For an industry already navigating complex licensing and compliance frameworks, a single forklift citation can compound existing regulatory burdens.
Simple Steps Cannabis Businesses Can Take to Avoid Citations
While OSHA’s forklift standards are detailed, compliance is achievable with the right structure and documentation. Experts recommend the following best practices for cannabis operations:
Daily Pre-Use Inspections
Require operators to complete and sign checklists before each shift.
Keep inspection logs accessible for at least one year.
Formal Training and Certification
Use qualified trainers familiar with cannabis facility layouts and hazards.
Issue written and practical tests for every operator.
Routine Maintenance Schedules
Establish regular servicing intervals for brakes, hydraulics, and tires.
Maintain maintenance logs to demonstrate due diligence.
Pedestrian Safety Measures
Clearly mark traffic lanes, install mirrors at blind corners, and use signage.
Separate walkways and forklift routes wherever possible.
Battery and Fuel Safety
Designate charging areas with fire extinguishers and ventilation.
Prohibit smoking or open flames near battery charging stations.
Management Oversight
Include forklift safety in regular internal audits.
Empower supervisors to stop unsafe operation immediately.
Building a Culture of Safety Beyond Compliance
Cannabis companies that treat forklift safety as a compliance checkbox are missing the bigger picture. Forklifts are among the most dangerous tools in any industrial setting responsible for nearly 7,000 nonfatal injuries and over 80 deaths annually, according to OSHA data.
Creating a true culture of safety means making powered industrial truck awareness part of daily operations, from leadership messaging to onboarding programs. When employees know that safety practices are both enforced and valued, compliance follows naturally.
OSHA’s Focus on Cannabis Will Only Increase
As federal agencies pay closer attention to the maturing cannabis sector, enforcement will become more frequent and precise. OSHA has already increased inspections in cultivation and processing facilities, particularly those involving chemicals, electrical systems, and heavy machinery.
Forklifts are easy targets—visible, measurable, and frequently mishandled. For cannabis operators seeking to protect their workforce and bottom line, proactive compliance is the only path forward.
Safe Forklifts Mean Safer Cannabis Operations
Forklift safety might not make headlines like taxation or legalization, but it’s a defining test of professionalism in the cannabis industry.
By investing in training, inspections, and strong documentation, cannabis businesses can not only avoid OSHA’s #8 most-cited violation. They can demonstrate to regulators, investors, and employees that safety is a core value, not an afterthought.
