Forklift Work Platforms and OSHA Compliance

July 7, 2017 BHS Marketing

There’s an inherent risk in elevating staff using a forklift work platform. Given that risk, it’s
no surprise that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has quite a bit to say on
the matter. In fact, at one point the federal agency even discussed banning the use of
forklifts as a support for work platforms.

After a lengthy discussion, OSHA decided that, if used properly, the practice could be safe
enough to allow. However, they created a list of standards for the use of elevated personnel
platforms. Here’s a summary of some of the most important requirements from those
standards.

1. Never move a forklift

horizontally while a worker is elevated. This is expressly forbidden by
OSHA 451(c)(2)(v) and something that most operations avoid in the first place.
Driving a forklift quickly with the mast up risks flipping the vehicle; this is dangerous
even without an employee on an attached platform.
2. Fully secure the work platform to the forklift. OSHA is clear that unstable platforms
are unacceptable. The BHS Forklift Work Platform attaches via a Fork Tine
Restraint, which locks the platform to the forks. An over-sized, quick-disconnect hitch
pin allows workers to quickly secure or detach the platform without sacrificing safety.
3. Use multiple safety mechanisms to secure workers on the platform. Employing a
platform with a sufficiently high railing and points for attaching a safety harness
ensures that workers stay on the platform even when sudden or unexpected
movements cause loss of balance. An anti-skid surface and highly visible colors also
aid in safety, while expanded metal on the mast guard allow more visibility. Every
added safety feature reduces the risk for injury or accidents.

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 4. Have written permission from the forklift manufacturer for the work platform (unless
the operator manual explicitly states that the machine was designed to elevate
personnel platforms). Warehouse managers can contact the manufacturer and
request written permission, and most of them will comply. This may seem like an
unnecessary hoop, but OSHA requires it through standard 178(a)(4). Once the
manufacturer provides the letter, it’s up to the warehouse manager to change data
plates to account for the weight of the platform.
5. Use a platform that was “designed by a qualified person and…constructed and
loaded in accordance with that design” as per OSHA §1926.451(a)(6). Buying
equipment from trusted professionals ensures that the product was made with
safety, durability, and compliance with regulations in mind.

Whether you view OSHA as a pain in the neck, a necessary evil, or a godsend for worker
safety, you still have to follow the regulations. Listing them can help warehouse managers
choose equipment that makes compliance simple, while still providing a rugged and
practical product.

Elevated personnel platforms help complete a variety of tasks, but their use requires
meeting a variety of requirements. Using experienced engineers who build equipment with
regulations in mind is a great way to effortlessly meet those requirements.

References:

Andel, Tom. “Forklift Life Lesson #6: OSHA’s Picky about How You Cage
Workers.” MHLNews. Penton, 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 8 June 2017.

Swanson, Russell. “OSHA Standard Interpretation Letter.” OSHA. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, United States Department of Labor, 27 Nov. 2001. Web. 8 June
2017.

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