The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) under the U.S. Department of Labor is asking employers and other stake holders for information regarding powered industrial trucks for general and construction industries before considering an update to the rules regarding such equipment. The current rule became effective in 1971 and were based on industry standards from 1969.
OSHA is requesting information on all aspects of powered industrial trucks including the following:
- Types, age and usage
- Maintenance and retrofitting
- Regulating older powered industrial trucks
- Types and accidents and injuries associated with operation
- Costs and benefits of retrofitting with safety features
- Components of a comprehensive safety program
The information will be used to determine what action will be taken to improve worker safety, reduce regulatory burdens and create jobs. Comments are due on June 10, 2019 and may be submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Comments may also be submitted via fax or mail. Full details can be reviewed by visiting the Federal Register Notice.
According to OSHA, powered industrial trucks include forklifts, fork trucks, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks and other specialized industrial trucks powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine.