1926.453(b)(2)(viii): Do Not Move Aerial Lifts with the Boom Up and Workers Aboard
Employers must not move an aerial lift truck when the boom is elevated in a working position with workers in the basket, except for equipment specifically designed for this type of operation as provided in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of 1926.453.
Key takeaways
- 1926.453(b)(2)(viii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $44,243 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (3), TX (2), MS (1).
- Related part: 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms (1,878 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(viii) is one requirement inside 1926.453 Aerial lifts, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). 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
(viii) An aerial lift truck shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with men in the basket, except for equipment which is specifically designed for this type of operation in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.453.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: FL (3), TX (2), MS (1), TN (1), CO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WILDWOOD HOSPITALITY GROUP LLC | WILDWOOD, NJ | $11,585 |
| ITG COMMUNICATIONS, LLC | HOMESTEAD, FL | $7,236 |
| DEAGUIAR CONTRACTING LLC | INDEPENDENCE, MO | $6,372 |
| VH GENERAL SERVICES, INC. | HILLSBORO BEACH, FL | $4,839 |
| D'LEON COMMUNICATIONS, LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $4,256 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.453(b)(2)(viii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Safety Standards regulating the stability of mobile scaffolds, scissor lifts, and aerial work platforms. (2002-06-10)
- Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. (2001-05-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b) Specific requirements 1,878 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(v) 1,607 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iv) 212 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vi) 9 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vii) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iii) 1 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xii)
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xi)
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
Can an aerial lift truck be driven with the boom up and someone in the basket?
No, unless the equipment is specifically designed for that type of operation under 1926.453(a)(1) and (2).
What position does this cover?
When the boom is elevated in a working position with workers in the basket.
Is there any exception?
Only equipment specifically designed for this type of operation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.453 (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.