OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the US federal agency that sets and enforces workplace safety standards, including those covering pallet handling, storage and forklifts.
Detailed Definition
OSHA was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and is part of the US Department of Labor. Its general industry standards in 29 CFR 1910 include materials handling and storage (1910.176), powered industrial trucks (1910.178) and walking-working surfaces (Subpart D). For forklifts, powered pallet jacks and other powered trucks, employers must train and evaluate operators and certify that this was done; OSHA does not issue operator licenses. Some states run their own OSHA-approved State Plans.
OSHA rules that apply to pallet operations
OSHA has no standard written specifically for pallets or for storage racks. Instead, several general rules apply. Section 1910.176 requires stored material to be stable and secure against sliding or collapse, and aisles to be kept clear with safe clearances for equipment. Section 1910.178 covers forklifts, electric pallet jacks, order pickers and other powered trucks. Walking-working surface rules cover floors, docks and elevated platforms. Where no specific standard applies, OSHA can cite serious recognized hazards under the general duty clause of the OSH Act.
What an inspector may look at in a pallet operation
- Records showing each powered truck operator was trained and evaluated, with a performance evaluation at least once every three years.
- Stacked pallets and racked loads that are stable and undamaged.
- Clear aisles and safe clearances for equipment.
- Housekeeping, including broken pallets left in walkways.
- Dock edges, dock plates and how trailers are secured during loading.
Federal OSHA and State Plans
Federal OSHA covers most private sector employers directly. In states with an OSHA-approved State Plan, a state agency enforces its own standards, which must be at least as effective as the federal rules and may be stricter. If you run pallet operations in several states, check whether a State Plan applies at each site and whether it adds requirements beyond Part 1910.
Authoritative Sources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): the US federal agency whose 29 CFR 1910 standards govern warehouse pallet handling and storage.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): the federal research institute publishing the NIOSH Lifting Equation and pallet handling ergonomic guidance.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OSHA require forklift operators to be licensed?
No. OSHA does not issue forklift licenses. Under 29 CFR 1910.178, the employer must train each operator, evaluate their performance on the trucks they will use, and certify that the training and evaluation were completed. A wallet card from a training company is not a substitute for that employer certification. Performance must be re-evaluated at least every three years, and refresher training is required after incidents, unsafe operation, poor evaluations or relevant changes.
Is there an OSHA standard for pallet racks?
OSHA has no rack-specific standard. It relies on the general storage rule in 1910.176, the general duty clause, and manufacturers' instructions. The industry design standard for steel storage racks is ANSI MH16.1, the Rack Manufacturers Institute specification covering design, testing and use. Following it, posting load capacities and inspecting racks for damage are practical ways to manage rack hazards.