Pallet Walkie vs Forklift Training: What’s the Difference?

Although pallet walkies and forklifts are both used to move materials in warehouses and industrial workplaces, they are not the same equipment and do not share the same training requirements.

In Ontario, treating pallet walkie training as interchangeable with forklift training is a common compliance mistake that can lead to unsafe operation and regulatory exposure.

Pallet Walkie vs Forklift Training – Equipment Difference

Pallet Walkie (Powered Pallet Jack)

• Walk-behind or walkie rider operation

• Designed for horizontal load movement

• Lower lift height

• Operated in tight, pedestrian-heavy areas

Forklift (Powered Industrial Lift Truck)

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  Sit-down or stand-up operator position

• Designed for vertical lifting and stacking

• Greater load capacity and reach

• Operated in wider aisles and racking systems

Although both are powered, their controls, stability principles, and hazards are different.

Why Training Is Not Interchangeable

Ontario safety expectations require equipment-specific training.

This means:

• Forklift certification does not automatically qualify a worker to operate a pallet walkie

• Pallet walkie operators must be trained on walk-behind controls, pedestrian interaction, and load stability at ground level

• Each equipment type presents unique risk profiles

• CSA B335-15 reinforces that operators must be trained and evaluated on the specific powered truck they use.

Key Differences in Operator Risk Exposure

Pallet Walkie Hazards

• Pedestrian strikes in tight spaces

• Crushing injuries between equipment and structures
• Read moreWhat Is a Pallet Walkie? Types, Uses & Workplace Hazards

  Load instability during turns

• Battery and electrical hazards

Forklift Hazards

• Tip-overs due to elevated loads

• Falling loads from height

• Overhead obstructions

• Racking system impacts

Because the hazards differ, training objectives and evaluations must also differ.

Training Focus: Pallet Walkie vs Forklift

What Ontario Inspectors Expect to See

During inspections, Ministry of Labour officers may ask for:

• Proof of equipment-specific operator training

• Records showing practical evaluation

• Evidence that training aligns with CSA B335-15

• Documentation that operators are competent for each powered truck used

Generic “forklift training” records may not be sufficient for pallet walkie operation.

When Separate Training Is Required

Separate training is required when:

• A worker operates both forklifts and pallet walkies

• New equipment types are introduced

• An operator switches from walk-behind to walkie rider units

• Workplace conditions change

Each change introduces new risks that must be addressed through training.

Key Takeaway

Pallet walkie training and forklift training serve different safety purposes. While both fall under powered industrial truck safety, they are not interchangeable.

Clear separation between training programs helps ensure:

• Operator safety

• Regulatory compliance

• Reduced incident risk

• Stronger due diligence

Understanding this difference supports the need for formal pallet walkie training, even in workplaces where forklift training already exists.