1910.178(m)(6): Forklift Distance From Dock Edges
Powered industrial truck operators must keep a safe distance from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, platform or freight car. Trucks must not be used to open or close freight doors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(m)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $97,287 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: ME (2), NJ (1), TX (1).
- 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)(6) 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
(6) A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car. Trucks shall not be used for opening or closing freight doors. 15 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(m)(6).
At 5:15 p.m. on August 27, 2024, Employee #1 was tasked with loading retail products from an 18-wheel truck to a warehouse. While backing up, the forklift fell off the ramp leading to the trailer, causing the employee's head to be crushed between the ground…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: ME (2), NJ (1), TX (1), MO (1), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BLUE LINE FOODSERVICE DISTRIBUTION | GALLOWAY, OH | $16,550 |
| DIRT CHEAP OF LOUISIANA, LLC | ZACHARY, LA | $16,131 |
| FIRST LINE COATINGS, INC | ERIE, PA | $13,000 |
| EL PASO LAMINATION LLC | EL PASO, TX | $12,000 |
| DEL MONTE FOODS INC. | PLOVER, WI | $8,524 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(m)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.178(m)(6).
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)(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
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How close can a forklift get to a dock edge?
A safe distance must be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms on any elevated dock, platform, or freight car.
Can a forklift be used to open freight doors?
No. Trucks shall not be used for opening or closing freight doors.
Does this apply in freight cars?
Yes. It applies on any elevated dock, platform, or freight car.
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.