Being a safe forklift driver requires skill and knowledge. Professional forklift drivers have an opportunity to demonstrate both in upcoming regional forklift competitions. The winners of the two regional events will go on to a statewide “rodeo” at the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in the fall.

Eastern Washington drivers are invited to compete 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.

Employers are encouraged to sponsor in-house competitions. The forklift rodeos typically draw the best forklift drivers from around the state.

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.

Visit www.wagovconf.org<http://www.wagovconf.org> for registration forms or call 206-281-3842.