1910.266(g): Logging Vehicles
Logging employers must keep each vehicle in serviceable condition, inspect it before initial use each workshift, and repair or replace defective vehicles before work begins. Operating and maintenance instructions must be in each vehicle, operators must hold a valid license for the vehicle class, steps and handholds must be provided where needed, and seats must be securely fastened.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(g) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $5,600 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(g)(3) (2 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(g) ("Vehicles") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 7 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
(g) Vehicles. 4 citations
(1) The employer shall assure that each vehicle used to perform any logging operation is maintained in serviceable condition.
(2) The employer shall assure that each vehicle used to perform any logging operation is inspected before initial use during each workshift. Defects or damage shall be repaired or the unserviceable vehicle shall be replaced before work is commenced. Open (g)(2) 1 citations
(3) The employer shall assure that operating and maintenance instructions are available in each vehicle. Each vehicle operator and maintenance employee shall comply with the operating and maintenance instructions. Open (g)(3) 2 citations
(4) The employer shall assure that each vehicle operator has a valid operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated. Open (g)(4) 1 citations
(5) Mounting steps and handholds shall be provided for each vehicle wherever it is necessary to prevent an employee from being injured when entering or leaving the vehicle.
(6) The seats of each vehicle shall be securely fastened.
(7) The requirements of paragraphs (f)(2)(iii), (f)(2)(v), (f)(2)(vii), (f)(2)(x), (f)(2)(xiii), and (f)(7) of this section shall also apply to each vehicle used to transport any employee off public roads or to perform any logging operation, including any vehicle provided by an employee.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1910.266(g) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(g).
At 4:15 p.m. on February 10, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a logging companyoperating a semi-truck attached to a trailer. The trailer was loaded with logs descending downhill when Employee #1 reportedly lost control causing the truck to flip over. The cab of the…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(g), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(g).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(g)(3) 2 citations
- 1910.266(g)(4) 1 citations
- 1910.266(g)(2) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must logging vehicles be inspected?
Before initial use during each workshift.
What license must a vehicle operator have?
A valid operator's license for the class of vehicle being operated.
What must be in each vehicle?
Operating and maintenance instructions.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (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 2026-11-06
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.