Underage and potentially dangerous forklift driving is the focus of a new awareness campaign launched by OSHA, NIOSH and the Wage and Hour Division of the Labor Department’s Employment Standards Administration. Federal youth employment provisions prohibit most workers under age 18 from operating forklifts.

“We have to remind all employers of regulations that prohibit most workers under 18 from operating forklifts outside of agricultural operations,” says OSHA chief John Henshaw.

About 2,500 copies of an information packet of materials have been sent to numerous federal agencies, professional associations and educational institutions. A limited number of copies are available through OSHA’s Publications Office by calling (202) 693-1888.