OSHA Proposes Modernized Forklift Design Standards

Posted on 2/22/2022 by Lauren Scott

OSHA proposed to revise its standards for the design and construction of powered industrial trucks (e.g., forklifts) in the Federal Register on February 16.

OSHA adopted its first regulations concerning powered industrial trucks in 1971, based on 1969 consensus standards. Those consensus standards have been updated a dozen times since then, most recently in 2020.

OSHA's proposed rule takes into account “the most relevant national consensus standards from the American National Standards Institute/Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation (ANSI/ITSDF),” the agency says.

The rule would allow exceptions if the employer can demonstrate that the forklift in question was designed and constructed in a way that offers the same level of protection or more than ANSI/ITSDF standards.

OSHA will accept comments on the proposed rule until May 17. Comments may be electronically submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

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 (Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2021).

Effective Online OSHA Safety Training

Protect your employees with expertly designed, convenient OSHA training. Available 24/7, these interactive OSHA safety training courses help employees identify, mitigate, and avoid the hazards in your workplace.

Popular OSHA Safety Courses:
Forklift Safety
Lockout/Tagout
Online HAZWOPER Training
Confined Space Entry Awareness
GHS Hazard Communication (for Employees)
Managing GHS Hazard Communication (for Managers)
Lithium Battery Safety

Employees who complete OSHA training at Lion.com are ready to make on-the-job decisions that keep themselves and their co-workers safe.

Tags: forklift

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

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

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

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.