Motor vehicles and equipment operations

Only trained and authorized persons may operate construction motorized equipment on a worksite. Employers must ensure operators are competent and authorized to use the specific type of equipment, and provide training when necessary to operate equipment safely, per 1926.602.

• Training should cover the equipment’s controls, safe operating procedures, hazards, and any manufacturer instructions or limitations.
• Employers should document who is authorized and keep records of training and evaluations.

(See the general operator qualification and equipment operation duties in 1926.602.)

Yes. Employers must ensure equipment is inspected and maintained in safe operating condition before use. 1926.602 requires that employers make sure equipment is kept in safe condition and defects are corrected.

• Perform pre-use checks of brakes, steering, lights, controls, hydraulic systems, tires/tracks, and safety devices.
• Remove from service any equipment with unsafe defects until repaired.

(For guidance on hazard assessments that may affect PPE selection during inspections, see OSHA’s interpretation on employers’ PPE hazard assessment responsibilities at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28.)

No. Employees must not ride on equipment parts such as buckets, blades, or tailgates unless the equipment is specifically designed for transporting personnel. 1926.602 requires equipment be used only for its designed purpose and safe operation.

• Use designated personnel carriers or safe platforms when moving workers.
• Never allow riders on loads, booms, or other attachments not intended for personnel.

(See the safe operation and use provisions in 1926.602.)

You must not allow workers to stand or pass under a suspended load, and operators must follow safe rigging and signaling practices. 1926.602 requires that loads be rigged and handled safely and that workers be kept clear of suspended loads.

• Establish exclusion zones and use taglines or other controls to guide loads safely.
• Ensure rigging hardware is inspected and rated for the load; correct rigging procedures must be followed.

(See the load handling and hoisting provisions in 1926.602 for detailed requirements.)

Equipment must have and workers must use operator protection devices required by the equipment design and safe operation—this includes roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts where provided or required. 1926.602 requires that equipment be maintained and used with necessary safety devices in place.

• Provide and require use of seat belts whenever the equipment is equipped with them or when ROPS are present and manufacturer guidance indicates seat-belt use.
• Keep protective structures and seat belts maintained and free of defects.

(See 1926.602 on operator protection and equipment safety devices.)

If a safety defect is found, the employer must remove the equipment from service until it is repaired and safe to operate. 1926.602 requires that unsafe equipment not be used and that defects be corrected.

• Tag or lock out equipment to prevent use until repaired.
• Maintain records or logs of repairs and the date the equipment was returned to service.

(Refer to 1926.602 for employer responsibilities regarding safe equipment condition.)

Employers must control hazardous energy and prevent unexpected movement by following safe procedures such as blocking, using mechanical locks, and following lockout/tagout practices when applicable. 1926.602 requires that maintenance be done safely and that equipment be secured against movement.

• Chock wheels, lower attachments to the ground, relieve hydraulic pressure, and use mechanical blocks where needed.
• When electrical or other hazardous energy is present, follow lockout/tagout procedures under the applicable standards.

(See 1926.602 and OSHA lockout/tagout guidance when performing maintenance.)

Employers must use effective means to warn workers of equipment movement—this can include functioning backup alarms, horns, lights, or using a qualified spotter. 1926.602 requires that equipment movement not endanger employees.

• Use audible and/or visual alarms that are appropriate for the noise level and site conditions.
• Assign a trained spotter when visibility is limited or when alarms alone are insufficient.

(See 1926.602 for requirements related to safe operation and warning devices.)

Employers must ensure equipment is positioned and operated so it will not tip or fall into excavations or unstable ground; maintain safe distances and use protective measures. 1926.602 requires safe operation and consideration of ground conditions.

• Stay back from excavation edges, follow the manufacturer’s stability limits, and use berms or engineered barriers when needed.
• Assess ground bearing capacity before placing heavy equipment near slopes or excavations.

(Refer to 1926.602 and the excavation standards for related requirements.)

Attachments must be used only as designed, securely mounted, and maintained in safe condition; they must be rated for the intended load. 1926.602 requires safe use and maintenance of equipment and attachments.

• Use manufacturer-approved attachments or ones rated appropriately.
• Inspect attachment pins, locks, and wear points daily; repair or replace worn parts before use.

(See 1926.602 for employer responsibilities regarding equipment and attachments.)

Operators must be provided and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when hazards require it; the employer must perform a hazard assessment to decide which PPE is necessary. 1926.602 requires safe operation, and OSHA’s PPE interpretation explains employer duties to assess hazards and certify PPE selection (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28).

• If flying debris, dust, or loud noise is present, provide eye protection and hearing protection as appropriate.
• Document the hazard assessment and provide training on proper PPE use.

(See 1926.602 and the PPE hazard assessment interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28.)

Effective communication and signaling methods must be established so operators and ground workers can work safely. 1926.602 requires safe operation practices that include clear communications.

• Use standardized hand signals, two-way radios, or designated spotters when visibility is limited.
• Ensure all personnel understand and use the chosen signals consistently.

(See 1926.602 for safe operation expectations.)

While 1926.602 requires that equipment be maintained and operators be competent, specific recordkeeping requirements vary; employers should keep inspection logs and training documentation to demonstrate compliance. 1926.602 supports maintaining safe conditions, and keeping records is a practical way to show that inspections and training occurred.

• Retain inspection tags or logs and training certificates or attendance records.
• Use records to track maintenance history and re-training schedules.

(See 1926.602 and employer best practices for documentation.)

When fueling equipment, employers must take steps to prevent fire and accidental startup, such as shutting off engines, avoiding smoking, and using grounding/bonding where required. 1926.602 requires safe operation and maintenance procedures to prevent hazards.

• Stop the engine, allow hot components to cool, and keep ignition sources away.
• Use approved containers and follow site fire prevention procedures.

(See the general safe operation and maintenance duties in 1926.602.)

Employers must establish traffic control measures to separate vehicles and pedestrians and minimize the risk of collisions; controls may include barriers, designated walkways, signs, and flaggers. 1926.602 requires safe operation practices to protect employees from vehicle hazards.

• Designate one-way flows, speed limits, and safe crossing points.
• Use high-visibility clothing for workers and ensure drivers have clear sightlines or use spotters.

(See 1926.602 for the employer’s responsibility to maintain safe operations.)

Yes. Employers and operators must follow manufacturer load charts, capacity limits, and rated configurations to avoid overloading and tipping. 1926.602 requires safe equipment use and handling of loads.

• Always verify load weight and configuration before lifting.
• Use properly rated rigging and lifting accessories.

(See 1926.602 for safe operation requirements.)

Employers must coordinate operations, establish clear communication and exclusion zones, and use competent signalers or spotters to prevent collisions and contact between loads. 1926.602 requires safe operation and planning when equipment could endanger employees.

• Develop a plan for simultaneous operations describing safe distances and responsibilities.
• Stop operations if communication or visibility is inadequate.

(See the safe operation and coordination duties in 1926.602.)

No. Non-operators should not ride on forklifts, loaders, or other construction equipment unless the equipment is specifically designed to carry personnel. 1926.602 requires equipment be used only as intended and in a safe manner.

• Use manufacturer-approved personnel platforms if workers must be elevated by equipment, and secure the platform to the lifting device as specified.
• Never allow riders on forks, buckets, or other attachments not designed for personnel.

(See 1926.602 on proper and safe equipment use.)

Employers must stop or modify equipment operations when weather conditions (high winds, ice, heavy rain) create unsafe conditions or reduce stability. 1926.602 requires safe operation and assessment of hazards that could affect equipment use.

• Follow manufacturer wind-speed limits for cranes and booms; secure or stow equipment when not in use.
• Use additional precautions (reduced loads, slower speeds, increased crew communication) or suspend work until conditions improve.

(See 1926.602 and equipment manufacturer guidance.)

Employers must have procedures to stop equipment quickly and rescue or recover workers safely if an emergency occurs; operators and nearby workers should know those procedures. 1926.602 requires planning for safe operation, including emergencies.

• Establish emergency stop protocols, train personnel, and provide rescue equipment or plans for worker retrieval from platforms.
• Ensure communication devices and trained rescuers are available where required.

(See 1926.602 for general requirements on safe operation and employer responsibility.)

Employers must ensure aftermarket or third-party attachments are compatible, properly rated, securely installed, and used according to manufacturer instructions and capacity limits. 1926.602 requires safe use and maintenance of equipment and attachments.

• Verify that the attachment has load ratings and manufacturer documentation showing it is suitable for the specific machine.
• Inspect the attachment connections and locking devices before each use.

(See 1926.602 for employer obligations regarding safe equipment use.)