1910.178(o)(3): Adjust Long or High Forklift Loads
Long or high loads on powered industrial trucks, including multiple-tiered loads, that may affect capacity must be adjusted.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(o)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $21,144 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.178(o) Loading (193 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(o)(3) 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
(3) The long or high (including multiple-tiered) loads which may affect capacity shall be adjusted. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(o)(3).
At 8:00 a.m. on December 14, 2024, an employee working as a production supervisor for a shipyard was moving a gangway in place at a moored vessel in drydock. The employee picked up the gangway using the forks of the forklift and began to drag…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(o)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(o)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(o) Loading 193 citations
- 1910.178(o)(1) 152 citations
- 1910.178(o)(2) 24 citations
- 1910.178(o)(5) 10 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
Which loads must be adjusted?
Long or high loads, including multiple-tiered loads, which may affect capacity.
Why do these loads matter?
They may affect the truck's capacity.
Does this include stacked loads?
Yes, multiple-tiered loads are included.
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.