1926.602(c)(1)(viii): Lifting Workers on Forklift Platforms
When a truck with controls that rise with the carriage or forks is used to lift personnel, employers must use a safety platform firmly secured to the carriage or forks. Workers on the platform must have a way to shut off the truck's power, and protection from falling objects must be provided as operating conditions require.
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(c)(1)(viii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 53 times in the last 3 years, in 53 inspections, with $144,775 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NH (9), WI (6), MA (5).
- Related part: 1926.602(c)(1) (389 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.602(c)(1)(viii) is one requirement inside 1926.602 Material handling equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). It includes 3 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
(viii) Whenever a truck is equipped with vertical only, or vertical and horizontal controls elevatable with the lifting carriage or forks for lifting personnel, the following additional precautions shall be taken for the protection of personnel being elevated. 53 citations
(A) Use of a safety platform firmly secured to the lifting carriage and/or forks. Open (c)(1)(viii)(a) 48 citations
(B) Means shall be provided whereby personnel on the platform can shut off power to the truck. 2 citations
(C) Such protection from falling objects as indicated necessary by the operating conditions shall be provided.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.602.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.602(c)(1)(viii).
At approximately 12:00 a.m. on April 1, 2024, an employee was fatally injured after being struck by an unknown object. Details of the incident are under investigation. The cause of the accident and the specific circumstances surrounding the event remain unclear at this time.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: NH (9), WI (6), MA (5), PA (4), NC (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DWS FRAMING PRO CONSTRUCTION LLC | ELLENDALE, DE | $16,550 |
| 160090 - BLUE DOT READI-MIX, LLC | CHARLOTTE, NC | $8,870 |
| STARKS CONTRACTING COMPANY, INC. | BILOXI, MS | $8,276 |
| BMB CONSTRUCTION LLC | LAKESIDE MARBLEHEAD, OH | $7,606 |
| 66886 - ALEXI CONSTRUCTION INC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(c)(1)(viii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift. (2001-11-27)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.602(c)(1) 389 citations
- 1926.602(c) Lifting and hauling equipment (other than equipment covered under subpart N of this part) 389 citations
- 1926.602(c)(1)(vi) 171 citations
- 1926.602(c)(1)(ii) 111 citations
- 1926.602(c)(1)(viii)(A) 48 citations
- 1926.602(c)(1)(vii) 33 citations
- 1926.602(c)(1)(i) 20 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
Can workers stand on bare forks to be lifted?
No. A safety platform firmly secured to the lifting carriage and/or forks must be used.
Must the people on the platform be able to stop the truck?
Yes. There must be a means for personnel on the platform to shut off power to the truck.
Is overhead protection required?
Protection from falling objects must be provided as the operating conditions indicate is necessary.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.602 (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 2026-10-19
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.