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OSHA Trailer Safety

Regulation 1910.178 issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a broad directive covering powered industrial trucks. It offers some safety guidelines on trailer use, primarily in relation to loading and unloading tractor-trailers.

  1. Loading and Unloading Trailers

    • OSHA regulations specifically refer to tractor-trailers. The directive states that a fixed jack stand is required during loading and unloading when the trailer is not attached to the tractor. This prevents the trailer from tipping over.

    Trailer Inspections

    • OSHA standards require a tractor-trailer inspection before the vehicle is used. It stipulates that the vehicle is inspected daily, or at the end of shifts if the vehicle is used continuously. OSHA does not specify the method of inspection, or who should undertake it, it only requires that any defects are reported and fixed before further use of the vehicle.

    Leisure Trailers

    • OSHA does not issue safety regulations for leisure trailers. A number of organizations, including California's Department of Motor Vehicles, provide comprehensive trailer safety information. This covers the different types of trailers, coupling methods, brakes, lights, and maneuvering techniques.

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