Top Violations of OSHA 1910.178 in Higher Education: Forklifts and Scissor Lifts

At colleges and universities, where forklifts and scissor lifts are often used for maintenance, construction, and event setup, ensuring compliance with OSHA's 1910.178 standard is crucial. Based on my years of consulting across various campuses, I've seen a pattern of common violations that can compromise safety.

1. Inadequate Training

One of the most frequent issues I encounter is insufficient or outdated training for operators. OSHA mandates that only trained and certified individuals operate these vehicles. Yet, I often find universities where training records are outdated or missing entirely. This not only puts operators at risk but also anyone in their vicinity.

2. Improper Load Handling

Another common violation involves the improper handling of loads. From my experience, it's not uncommon to see forklifts carrying loads that exceed their rated capacity or are not properly secured. This can lead to catastrophic failures, especially in the busy, often crowded environments of a university campus.

3. Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for the safe operation of forklifts and scissor lifts. However, I've walked through many campus facilities where maintenance logs are incomplete or non-existent. This neglect can lead to mechanical failures, which are a significant safety concern.

4. Failure to Use Seatbelts

It's surprising how often I see operators neglecting to use seatbelts, a simple yet critical safety measure. OSHA's regulations are clear on this, and yet, during my visits to various institutions, I've observed this rule being overlooked, increasing the risk of injury during a tip-over or collision.

5. Pedestrian Safety Neglect

Lastly, the safety of pedestrians around these industrial vehicles is often overlooked. In my assessments, I've noted numerous instances where clear pathways for pedestrians are not maintained, or operators fail to sound their horns at blind corners. This oversight can lead to accidents, especially in densely populated campus areas.

Addressing these common violations requires a proactive approach to safety management. Regular training updates, strict adherence to load limits, diligent maintenance checks, mandatory seatbelt use, and clear pedestrian safety protocols can significantly reduce the risks associated with forklift and scissor lift operations on university campuses.