1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M): Forklift Training: Operator's Manual
Forklift operator training must also cover any other operating instructions, warnings or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle the employee is being trained to operate.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $139,212 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: ID (4), PA (4), TX (4).
- 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)(M) 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
(M) Any other operating instructions, warnings, or precautions listed in the operator's manual for the types of vehicle that the employee is being trained to operate. 31 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M).
At 7:00 a.m. on October 28, 2024, an employee working as as a Moffett forklift powered industrial vehicle (PIV) operator for a metal truss manufacturer was delivering a window to a residential location. As the employee backed the forklift down a driveway, it pivoted and…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: ID (4), PA (4), TX (4), VA (3), NV (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HELMERICH & PAYNE INTERNATIONAL DRILLING CO. | PECOS, TX | $17,000 |
| MCLANE EXPRESS, INC. | FORT WORTH, TX | $16,550 |
| ALL STAR TRANSPORTATION, LLC | NEW MILFORD, CT | $16,131 |
| MARTIN METAL LLC | OSAGE BEACH, MO | $14,895 |
| WELLS ENTERPRISES, INC. | HENDERSON, NV | $14,895 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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
Does training have to cover the operator's manual?
Yes. It must cover any other operating instructions, warnings or precautions listed in the operator's manual.
Which manual applies?
The manual for the types of vehicle the employee is being trained to operate.
Is this a truck-related training topic?
Yes. It is one of the truck-related topics in 1910.178(l)(3)(i).
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.