1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(G): Forklift Training: Ramps and Slopes
Employers must make sure forklift operator training covers ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(G) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $31,698 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (2), GA (2), MO (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)(ii)(G) 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
(G) Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability; 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(G).
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (2), GA (2), MO (2), OH (1), LA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MCWANE, INC. | ANNISTON, AL | $10,592 |
| INNOVATIVE REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS, INC. | RINCON, GA | $5,912 |
| ELG METALS, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $5,800 |
| DITSCH USA, LLC | SPRINGDALE, OH | $4,000 |
| BIRDSONG CORPORATION | COLQUITT, GA | $3,526 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(l)(3)(ii)(G), 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)(ii)(G).
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 workplace topic does this cover?
Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability.
Is this part of operator training?
Yes. It is one of the workplace-related topics in forklift operator training.
Why do slopes matter?
They could affect the vehicle's stability.
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.