1910.178(k)(1): Set Truck Brakes and Chock Wheels
Before highway trucks are boarded with powered industrial trucks, the truck brakes must be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to keep them from rolling.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(k)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 37 times in the last 3 years, in 37 inspections, with $173,926 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (4), NC (4), OH (3).
- Related part: 1910.178(k) Trucks and railroad cars (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks. 37 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: FL (4), NC (4), OH (3), WI (3), GA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PROGRESSIVE CONVERTING, INC. | APPLETON, WI | $13,240 |
| GREEN-MEADOWS PAPER COMPANY | MASSILLON, OH | $12,656 |
| SMITH PACKING LLC | UTICA, NY | $9,680 |
| PHOENIX WAREHOUSE OF NJ, LLC | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $9,268 |
| LESSEREVIL LLC | DANBURY, CT | $9,268 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(k)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Enforcement of wheel chocking requirements in State Plan States. (2011-06-14)
- Clarification of OSHA's authority to enforce wheel chocking of commercial motor vehicles and related safety hazards at loading facilities. (2011-03-07)
- Chocking requirements for trailers docked to buildings with downward approaches. (2005-11-08)
- Chocking of trailers at United States Postal Service facilities. (2005-09-14)
- Clarification of OSHA's CPL 2-1.30 regarding tractor trailer chocking. (1999-11-09)
- Trailer trucks must be restrained/chocked during forklift dock operations. (1998-03-04)
- The term "wheel chocks" and whether the employment of one chock would satisfy the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1991-07-25)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(k) Trucks and railroad cars 40 citations
- 1910.178(k)(3) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must be done before a forklift enters a trailer?
The highway truck brakes must be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels.
Why are chocks required?
To prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks.
Where do the chocks go?
Under the rear wheels.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.