What it means
OSHA uses the term powered industrial truck for forklifts and the family around them: counterbalance and reach trucks, order pickers, rider pallet jacks, tow tractors and others. Each type handles differently, so training is by type.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 sets the rules for these trucks in general industry. It covers operator training, evaluation, truck inspection and safe operation. Check the current rule and your own procedures for the details. Construction sites have their own parts of the rules.
A truck gets examined before each shift, or before use if it runs around the clock. Anything that affects safe operation gets the truck taken out of service until it is fixed.
Why it matters
Trucks and pedestrians share the same aisles and docks. A tip-over, a pinned worker or a dropped load is serious fast. Trained operators and a daily truck check are the basics.
What it looks like on a site
- Operators are trained and evaluated on the type of truck they drive, and the record is kept.
- The truck gets a pre-use check. Forks, mast, chains, tires, horn, lights, brakes and the seat belt are looked at.
- A truck with a defect is tagged and parked, and the keys go to the lead.
- Pedestrian lanes, horn use at corners and speed limits are posted and enforced.
- Loads are kept within the truck's rated capacity on the data plate.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary