1910.178(m)(5): Leaving a Powered Industrial Truck Unattended
When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, operators must fully lower the forks or load engaging means, neutralize controls, shut off power and set brakes, and block wheels on an incline. A truck is unattended when the operator is 25 ft. or more away with it in view, or leaves it out of view; within 25 ft. and in view, forks must still be lowered, controls neutralized and brakes set.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(m)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 211 times in the last 3 years, in 204 inspections, with $666,024 in current penalties.
- 10 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (24), NJ (17), VA (17).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 3 sub-paragraphs. 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
(5) 211 citations
(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. Open (m)(5)(i) 102 citations
(ii) A powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle which remains in his view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his view. Open (m)(5)(ii) 25 citations
(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. Open (m)(5)(iii) 84 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
10 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(m)(5).
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 | 14 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 73 |
| 2026 | 50 |
Top states: TN (24), NJ (17), VA (17), OH (15), WI (12)
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 |
| RAIL MODAL GROUP LLC | FREMONT, NE | $15,970 |
| EXEL INC | MIDDLETOWN, OH | $15,625 |
| JENNMAR CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA, INC. | CEDAR BLUFF, VA | $15,375 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(m)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- A powered industrial truck is not unattended if still in view by the nearby operator (2018-09-11)
- 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)(i) 102 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
When is a forklift considered unattended?
When the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle which remains in view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in view.
What must be done before leaving a forklift unattended?
Fully lower the load engaging means, neutralize controls, shut off power and set brakes, and block wheels if parked on an incline.
What if I step off but stay close?
Within 25 ft. and in view, the load engaging means must be fully lowered, controls neutralized and brakes set.
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.