Q: What is the OSHA regulation for covering the top of a forklift to stay dry when it rains? Is there an OSHA approved add-on for this purpose?
A: In OSHA’s Forklift Regulation there is nothing that is specific about adding modifications to the forklift to protect the employee from rain. What the regulation does state is that prior to adding any modification you need the manufacturer’s written approval, but this is only if these modifications are going to affect the capacity and safe operation of the forklift. See the regulation below. I would recommend calling the company that manufactures your forklift and ask them if they have any additions that add rain protection and to check with them to ensure it will not affect the load capacity.
•29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.
