1926.602(d): Forklift Operator Training in Construction
Employers in construction must train powered industrial truck operators under the same requirements set out in 1910.178(l).
Key takeaways
- 1926.602(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 212 times in the last 3 years, in 212 inspections, with $622,380 in current penalties.
- 10 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: GA (38), TX (29), FL (22).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.602(d) ("Powered industrial truck operator training") is one requirement inside 1926.602 Material handling equipment, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart O). 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
(d) Powered industrial truck operator training. 212 citations
The requirements applicable to construction work under this paragraph are identical to those set forth at § 1910.178(l) of this chapter.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 58 FR 35183, June 30, 1993; 63 FR 66274, Dec. 1, 1998]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.602.
Injuries linked to this rule
10 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.602(d).
At 3:00 p.m. on December 3, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborer for a fencing contractor was riding on the right fork of a forklift powered industrial vehicle (PIV). The employee fell off the PIV and was run over and crushed between the…
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 | 14 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 66 |
| 2026 | 57 |
Top states: GA (38), TX (29), FL (22), NJ (13), OH (13)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MACX CONSTRUCTION CORP | BALDWIN, NY | $16,550 |
| MIDWEST WRECKING CO. LLC | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK | $16,550 |
| TRAFFIC HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE, LLC | HONEY GROVE, TX | $14,895 |
| ROAD CONTRACTOR CORP | MIDDLETOWN, DE | $12,676 |
| MORALES PLUMBING, LLC | LAVONIA, GA | $12,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.602(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA requirements for individuals interested in employment as Heavy Equipment Operator. (2016-07-14)
- Powered Industrial Truck 1910.178(l) training requirements applicable to construction; training for skid-steer loader operators. (2004-11-05)
- Applicable standards to lifting personnel on a platform supported by a rough-terrain forklift. (2001-11-27)
- Earthmoving equipment is not covered by 1910.178; skid- steer equipment may be covered. (1999-10-21)
- Powered industrial truck training content, certification, and record maintenance. (1999-10-01)
- Forklifts in construction: elevating personnel and operator training. (1999-09-30)
- Rough Terrain Forklift training course; OSHA doesn't approve products/services. (1999-08-23)
- Exclusive use of videotape training for construction workers. (1999-08-03)
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 training applies to forklift operators in construction?
The requirements are identical to those in 1910.178(l).
Does construction have a separate forklift training rule?
No. 1926.602(d) adopts the general industry training rule in 1910.178(l).
Who does this apply to?
Powered industrial truck operators doing construction work.
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.