1910.178(q)(1): Remove Unsafe Trucks from Service
Employers must remove any power-operated industrial truck that is not in safe operating condition from service. All repairs must be made by authorized personnel.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(q)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 201 times in the last 3 years, in 201 inspections, with $628,641 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MA (14), TX (14), TN (14).
- Related part: 1910.178(q) Maintenance of industrial trucks (897 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(q)(1) 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
(1) Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition shall be removed from service. All repairs shall be made by authorized personnel. 201 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(q)(1).
At 11:40 a.m. on November 27, 2024, an employee working as a welder for a welding contractor was removing a pressure washer from a roof. The employee fellthrough a skylight 22 feet 8 inches to the concrete below. The employee died from head trauma.
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 | 12 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 45 |
Top states: MA (14), TX (14), TN (14), MO (13), NY (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CHEP RECYCLED PALLET SOLUTIONS, LLC | SCARBOROUGH, ME | $39,012 |
| ROOSEVELT PAPER COMPANY | ALSIP, IL | $15,300 |
| IRON HORSE TRAILERS, INC. | MCMINNVILLE, TN | $12,500 |
| TECHNICAL ARTS GROUP, LLC | CLIFTON PARK, NY | $11,823 |
| BROWNSVILLE GULFSIDE WAREHOUSE | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(q)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks (2013-04-04)
- Clarification of the Powered Industrial Truck (1910.178) standard's use of the terms "in need of repair," "defective," and "unsafe." (2004-06-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(q) Maintenance of industrial trucks 897 citations
- 1910.178(q)(7) 647 citations
- 1910.178(q)(6) 36 citations
- 1910.178(q)(5) 8 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 happens to a forklift that is not safe?
It shall be removed from service.
Who can repair a forklift?
Only authorized personnel.
Can I finish my shift on an unsafe truck?
No. Any truck not in safe operating condition must be removed from service.
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.