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Front-end loaders outside powered-industrial-truck rule

Summary A union official asked whether a front-end loader fell under OSHA's powered-industrial-truck training rule. OSHA said the earthmoving vehicle remained outside that rule even when used for another purpose, although the Act's general duty provision could apply to recognized hazards. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1975-07-16
Date issued
July 16, 1975
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Powered Industrial Trucks Front End Loaders Training
Source
View the official document

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The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 16, 1975

Mr. Leonard A. Frescoln
Secretary, Local 14700
United Steel Workers of American
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Frescoln:

This is in response to your letter dated July 9, 1975 to our Wilmington Office concerning training requirements.

A front end loader is a vehicle intended primarily for earth moving and therefore is not within the scope of section 1910.178 "Powered Industrial Trucks" of the OSHA standards. The fact that it is not being used for earth moving does not make it a powered industrial truck. However, section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 could apply if employer use of such equipment creates a recognized hazard that is causing or is likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.

Your interest in occupational safety and health is appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

DAVID H. RHONE
Assistant Regional Director for
Occupational Safety and Health

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