1910.178(m)(5)(iii): Securing a Forklift When the Operator Is Nearby
When a forklift operator gets off and stays within 25 ft. of the truck and it is still in view, the load engaging means must be fully lowered, controls neutralized and brakes set to prevent movement.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(m)(5)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 84 times in the last 3 years, in 84 inspections, with $305,000 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (10), WI (7), TN (6).
- 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)(iii) 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
(iii) When the operator of an industrial truck is dismounted and within 25 ft. of the truck still in his view, the load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement. 84 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(m)(5)(iii).
An employee was fabricating a part for an agricultural wagon using a drill presswhen it fell onto his head, causing multiple fatal injuries to the employee.
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 | 30 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Top states: OH (10), WI (7), TN (6), VA (6), NC (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| R AND L CARRIERS SHARING SERVICES LLC | BURLINGTON, NJ | $16,550 |
| NACHON ENTERPRISES, INC. | HIALEAH, FL | $16,131 |
| EXEL INC | MIDDLETOWN, OH | $15,625 |
| JENNMAR CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA, INC. | CEDAR BLUFF, VA | $15,375 |
| WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT COMPANY | DONNELLY, ID | $12,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(m)(5)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirements for leaving construction equipment and powder-actuated tools unattended on a construction building site; impalement protection from reinforcing steel for masonry workers on a scaffold. (2005-05-11)
- The use of fork trucks in plants. (1991-01-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(m) Truck operations 476 citations
- 1910.178(m)(5) 211 citations
- 1910.178(m)(5)(i) 102 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
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 must an operator do when dismounting within 25 ft. of the truck?
Fully lower the load engaging means, neutralize the controls, and set the brakes.
Does this apply only if the truck stays in view?
Yes. This paragraph covers an operator dismounted within 25 ft. of the truck and still in view.
Why set the brakes?
To prevent the truck from moving.
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.