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National Forklift Safety Day 2025: A Successful Conclusion

The twelfth annual National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD), organized by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), took place on June 10, 2025, at the renowned National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This important event, which drew hundreds of participants both in-person and online, reaffirmed the industry's dedication to enhancing safety practices within the transportation sector.

The centralized theme of this year's NFSD revolved around fostering a culture of safety in workplaces that utilize powered industrial trucks. The event served as an interactive platform for experts, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss the latest trends and innovations aimed at improving safety standards in material handling.

Among the distinguished speakers were:

• - Brian Feehan, President of the ITA, who emphasized the significant strides the industry is making toward ensuring safer practices.
• - Brett Wood, the Chairman of the ITA Board and President & CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving safety goals.
• - Amanda Wood Laihow, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, who discussed regulatory challenges and the role of OSHA in promoting operational safety.
• - Ron Grisez, Director of Product Safety at Crown Equipment Corporation, who lent his expertise on product safety and innovations for safer equipment use.
• - Jonathan Fortkamp, PhD, CSP, Senior Director of Health, Safety & Environment at DHL Supply Chain North America, who emphasized the intersection of safety and productivity in logistics.
• - Lisa Brooks, CIE, Principal at Nexus HSE, who provided insight into best practices and risk management strategies in the logistics field.

One of the standout moments included a panel discussion on the future of safety technologies, where leaders shared potential advancements that can significantly contribute to reducing workplace accidents. Brett Wood expressed, "Through discussion and shared expertise, we can create pathways that lead to safer operational methods, ultimately protecting our workers and enhancing productivity."

Ron Grisez echoed similar sentiments: "Every stakeholder in the industry—from manufacturers to end-users—plays a crucial role in fostering a safer working environment. The collaboration and insights we've seen today are just the beginning of a new chapter in safety culture."

The ITA also reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement in safety practices, offering a platform for future discussions and knowledge sharing. The enthusiasm for next year's National Forklift Safety Day, scheduled for June 9, 2026, has already begun, with industry participants eager to engage further.

The significance of NFSD extends beyond just one day; it continually shapes the dialogue surrounding safety in the industrial sector. The event promotes best practices and serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety. Industry stakeholders can access the video recordings and presentations from this year's event on the ITA's official website at www.indtrk.org.

About ITA

For over seven decades, the Industrial Truck Association has been the foremost organization representing industrial truck manufacturers and suppliers throughout North America. The ITA plays a vital role in shaping safety standards, advancing engineering practices, and fostering an environment for professional development and networking within the industry.

As the industry looks towards the future, the principles highlighted during National Forklift Safety Day will remain pivotal in driving forward a culture where safety is an inherent part of the operational framework across all sectors. The cooperation witnessed during this year’s event is expected to lead to meaningful changes in how industries approach safety protocols.

In conclusion, National Forklift Safety Day stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of professionals committed to elevating safety across the industrial landscape. It was not just a celebration of what has been accomplished, but also a roadmap for future progress.