Safe Forklift Operators Wanted for Washington State Forklift Rodeos

Professional forklift operators in Washington State have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in upcoming regional forklift competitions. The winners of the two regional events will go on to a statewide event  at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in the fall.

Eastern Washington drivers can compete on June 21 in the regional qualifying forklift rodeo at the Spokane Fire Department Regional Readiness Center at 1618 N. Rebecca St. A Western Washington forklift competition will be held Aug. 23 at the Boeing Kent Space Center, 20403 68th Ave. S. The top five individual qualifiers from each of these regional competitions will then proceed to the 17th Annual Forklift Rodeo at the 63rd Annual Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference held this year in Spokane on Sept. 24.

To take part, competitors must first successfully pass a written exam and be current on training requirements. During the competition, the forklift drivers are timed as they negotiate a fun and challenging course.

The top eight drivers in these regional competitions earn cash prizes ranging from $50 to $300. In the finals, prizes range from $100 to $500 for the top five drivers. Team awards are also given for the top two teams in each region. Participation is limited to the first 30 drivers who register.