OSHA Seeks Industry Input on Forklift Safety Standard

Posted on 3/12/2019 by Roger Marks

OSHA is seeking industry’s input on its Powered Industrial Truck (Forklifts) Standard. In a Request for Information (RFI) published to the Federal Register on March 11, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requests information and comments about the requirements for forklifts and other trucks under the general industry, maritime, and construction Standards.

OSHA wants to know more about:

The type, age, and use of powered industrial trucks in industry
Maintenance and retrofitting of powered industrial trucks
How OSHA should regulate older powered industrial trucks
The types of accidents and injuries associated with powered industrial trucks; and
The cost and benefits of retrofitting PITs with safety features

In addition, OSHA requests comment on whether the differences between its maritime, construction, and general industry Standards are appropriate and effective for each industrial sector.

See the RFI in the Federal Register here.

In November 2018, Lion News reported OSHA’s plans to update the forklifts safety Standard and the Lockout/Tagout Standard in 2019. OSHA’s current forklift safety standards are based on ANSI standards released in 1969, were promulgated in 1971, and were updated only one time—in 1998.

Since updating the Standard in 1998, OSHA has issued two interpretations of the forklift regulations, in 1999 and 2004.

More Than Forklifts

OSHA defines powered industrial trucks as vehicles:

Controlled by a riding operator, or
Remotely controlled, or
Controlled by an operate standing alongside

In addition to the typical forklift, the powered industrial truck regulations can apply to vehicles like powered pallet jacks, shopping cart caddies, order pickers, and other similar machines.

OSHA commonly lists forklift accidents as one of the top ten workplace health and safety concerns in the US each year. By providing effective forklift safety training, employers can protect forklift operators and other employees from injury on the job. Employees with proper training are prepared to safely operate and maintain these lifts and avoid accidents.

To help forklift drivers meet OSHA’s formal instruction requirement at 29 CFR 1910.178(I), Lion Technology provides the Forklift Safety Online Course. Available 24/7, this online course teaches the principles for operating forklifts; using safety equipment; loading, balancing, and lifting loads; inspecting and maintaining lifts; parking; and refueling/recharging safely.

Tags: forklift, forklifts, osha, safety, training, worker safety

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.