Driving a forklift might look easy, but driving one safely requires the right training and experience.

Professional forklift drivers will put their skills to the test on Saturday in a regional qualifying forklift rodeo at Auburn’s Boeing facility, 2400 Perimeter Road.

Competition begins at 10 a.m. Spectators are welcome, free of charge.

The competition is limited to 30 drivers, with the top five individuals advancing to the 14th annual Forklift Rodeo at the 60th Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Tacoma on Sept. 28-29, to determine the state’s best forklift driver.

Foss’s Ron Cochran returns to defend his state title. He took home last year’s $500 purse.

Operators from several local companies will be competing. They include Boeing, Red Dot Corp., the Washington State Liquor Control Board, idX Seattle, Simon Metals, Columbia Colstor, Americold, Portionables, Inc., and North Star Cold Storage, Inc.

The forklift rodeos typically attract the best forklift drivers from around the state.

Cochran first competed at the suggestion of another operator who had noticed his skills with the forklift. That first year he won second place and he has made the finals three out of the four years he’s competed.

The contest stresses safety. Competitors must pass a written exam and a pre-use inspection of a forklift before competing in the obstacle course.

The top seven drivers in the regional competitions earn cash prizes ranging from $50 to $300. In the finals, prizes range from $100 to $500 for the top five drivers.

While the competitions are friendly and fun, they are meant to encourage improved safety among forklift operators.

“This can be really hazardous work,” Cochran said. “Having the right training is invaluable.”

The forklift state finals is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board and the Department of Labor & Industries.