1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A): Forklift Training: Operating Instructions and Warnings
Powered industrial truck operator training must include the operating instructions, warnings and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $65,002 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (3), NY (2), OR (2).
- Related part: 1910.178(l) (5,743 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A) 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
(A) Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate; 14 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OH (3), NY (2), OR (2), VA (1), CA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 159367 - MCLANE FOODSERVICE DISTRIBUTION, INC. | SALISBURY, NC | $16,550 |
| THE HOME DEPOT, INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $16,550 |
| ELLIOTT ELECTRIC SUPPLY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $11,585 |
| RUETER & ZENOR CO. | GRAND JUNCTION, IA | $8,036 |
| LANDMARK PLASTIC CORPORATION | AKRON, OH | $4,840 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(l) 5,743 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1) Safe operation 2,028 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1)(i) 1,505 citations
- 1910.178(l)(6) Certification 1,445 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4) Refresher training and evaluation 1,345 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(iii) 1,126 citations
- 1910.178(l)(2) Training program implementation 505 citations
- 1910.178(l)(1)(ii) 504 citations
- 1910.178(l)(2)(ii) 437 citations
- 1910.178(l)(3) Training program content 196 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(ii) 168 citations
- 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(B) 104 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 truck-related topic must training cover?
Operating instructions, warnings and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate.
Is training general or truck-specific?
It must cover the types of truck the operator will operate.
Where is this required?
In 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(A).
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 2026-10-20
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.