OSHA seeking input on powered industrial trucks standard

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is requesting information as it considers rulemaking to update the powered industrial trucks standards for general, maritime and construction industries. The standards became effective in 1971 and were based on industry consensus standards from 1969. Since then, national consensus standards have been updated several times, OSHA says.

OSHA is requesting information on: the types, age and usage of powered industrial trucks; maintenance and retrofitting; how to regulate older powered industrial trucks; types of accidents and injuries associated with operating these machines; costs and benefits of retrofitting the machines with safety features; and other components of a safety program. OSHA says it will use the information received in response to determine what action, if any, it may take to reduce regulatory burdens and create jobs while improving worker safety.

Comments must be submitted on or before June 10. Comments and materials may be submitted either electronically, at http://www.regulations.gov or the Federal eRulemaking Portal, or mail. See the Federal Register notice for submission details.

Powered industrial trucks include forklifts, fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks and other specialized industrial trucks powered by an electrical motor or an internal combustion engine.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit its website.