1910.178(m)(5)(i): Leaving a Forklift Unattended
When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, the load engaging means must be fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set. The wheels must be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(m)(5)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 102 times in the last 3 years, in 102 inspections, with $264,810 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (16), VA (11), NJ (7).
- Related part: 1910.178(m) Truck operations (476 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i) 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
(i) When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline. 102 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(m)(5)(i).
At 2:30 p.m. on January 10, 2025, Employee #1 was loading a crate of parts into a tractor trailer using a CAT powered industrial truck (PIT) at a worksite. After parking the PIT behind a tractor trailer positioned on a slope, Employee #1 applied the…
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: TN (16), VA (11), NJ (7), NC (7), RI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RAIL MODAL GROUP LLC | FREMONT, NE | $15,970 |
| 157475 - GUARANTEED SUPPLY COMPANY | GREENSBORO, NC | $11,000 |
| PCS NITROGEN FERTILIZER, L.P. | GEISMAR, LA | $10,641 |
| CIBOVITA INC. | TOTOWA, NJ | $10,592 |
| THE AMERICAN BOTTLING COMPANY | WINDSOR, WI | $10,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(m)(5)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(m)(5)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(m) Truck operations 476 citations
- 1910.178(m)(5) 211 citations
- 1910.178(m)(5)(iii) 84 citations
- 1910.178(m)(2) 82 citations
- 1910.178(m)(3) 58 citations
- 1910.178(m)(7) 42 citations
- 1910.178(m)(1) 28 citations
- 1910.178(m)(5)(ii) 25 citations
- 1910.178(m)(4) 23 citations
- 1910.178(m)(6) 15 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done before leaving a forklift unattended?
Fully lower the load engaging means, neutralize the controls, shut off the power and set the brakes.
What if the truck is on an incline?
The wheels must be blocked.
Does the power need to be off?
Yes. Power must be shut off when the truck is left unattended.
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.