1910.178(n)(4): Slow Down and Sound the Horn
Forklift drivers must be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other places where vision is obstructed. If the load blocks the forward view, the driver must travel with the load trailing.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(n)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 76 times in the last 3 years, in 76 inspections, with $519,187 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (10), OH (8), FL (7).
- Related part: 1910.178(n) Traveling (242 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4) 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
(4) The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing. 76 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(n)(4).
At 1:45 a.m. on June 27, 2024, an employee was repairing a pallet straightener. The pallet straightener activated and crushed the employee between the conveyor and the stacker. The employee was killed.
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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Top states: NJ (10), OH (8), FL (7), IL (6), VA (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HELMERICH & PAYNE INTERNATIONAL DRILLING CO. | PECOS, TX | $17,000 |
| MAINFREIGHT, INC. | KEARNY, NJ | $16,550 |
| 159805 - LASSONDE PAPPAS AND COMPANY, INC. | HENDERSONVILLE, NC | $16,550 |
| RANDALS FOOD AND DRUGS LP | ROANOKE, TX | $16,550 |
| COCHRAN OIL MILL & GINNERY | COCHRAN, GA | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(n)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(n) Traveling 242 citations
- 1910.178(n)(6) 95 citations
- 1910.178(n)(1) 26 citations
- 1910.178(n)(7) 16 citations
- 1910.178(n)(7)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.178(n)(8) 12 citations
- 1910.178(n)(15) 3 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
When must a forklift driver sound the horn?
At cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed, while slowing down.
What if the load blocks my view?
Travel with the load trailing.
Is slowing down required too?
Yes. The driver must slow down and sound the horn at those locations.
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.