1910.266(h)(6): Loading and Unloading Logs
Transport vehicles must be positioned for working clearance, and only the machine operator and essential personnel may be in the loading area. Drivers may not stay in the cab when logs pass over it unless necessary and protected. Logs must be placed orderly and tightly secured, and tie downs must stay in place over the peak log until unloading lines or equivalent protection are in place, and be released only from the unloading machine side except as listed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(h)(6) 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 3 inspections, with $11,090 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.266(h)(6) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(h)(6) ("Loading and unloading") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 10 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
(6) Loading and unloading. 4 citations
(i) The transport vehicle shall be positioned to provide working clearance between the vehicle and the deck.
(ii) Only the loading or unloading machine operator and other personnel the employer demonstrates are essential shall be in the loading or unloading work area during this operation.
(iii) No transport vehicle operator shall remain in the cab during loading and unloading if the logs are carried or moved over the truck cab, unless the employer demonstrates that it is necessary for the operator to do so. Where the transport vehicle operator remains in the cab, the employer shall provide operator protection, such as but not limited to, reinforcement of the cab.
(iv) Each log shall be placed on a transport vehicle in an orderly manner and tightly secured. 1 citations
(v) The load shall be positioned to prevent slippage or loss during handling and transport. 1 citations
(vi) Each stake and chock which is used to trip loads shall be so constructed that the tripping mechanism is activated on the side opposite the release of the load.
(vii) Each tie down shall be left in place over the peak log to secure all logs until the unloading lines or other protection the employer demonstrates is equivalent has been put in place. A stake of sufficient strength to withstand the forces of shifting or moving logs, shall be considered equivalent protection provided that the logs are not loaded higher than the stake. Open (h)(6)(vii) 2 citations
(viii) Each tie down shall be released only from the side on which the unloading machine operates, except as follows:
(A) When the tie down is released by a remote control device; and
(B) When the employee making the release is protected by racks, stanchions or other protection the employer demonstrates is capable of withstanding the force of the logs.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.266(h)(6) 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(h)(6).
On April 1, 2024, an employee working for a logging company was delivering 12-foot logs to a lumber company. The employee untied the strapped logs, at which they they rolled off the truck and struck the employee. The employee died from multiple crushing injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(h)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(h)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting 63 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2) Manual felling 33 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1) General requirements 23 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(ii) 12 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(i) 9 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vi) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(viii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(6)(vii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(vii) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can the truck driver stay in the cab while loading?
Not if logs are carried or moved over the cab, unless the employer shows it is necessary and provides operator protection.
Who may be in the loading area?
Only the loading or unloading machine operator and other personnel the employer shows are essential.
From which side are tie downs released?
Only from the side where the unloading machine operates, unless released by remote control or the employee is protected as described.
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.