Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
General Industry Safety Standards
Part 21 - POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Section R. 408.12176 - Loading trucks, trailers, and railcars

(1) An employer shall ensure that a highway truck and trailer are not boarded by a powered industrial truck before the highway truck and trailer has its brakes set and not less than 2 wheels blocked or be restrained by other mechanical means installed in a manner that will hold the trailer from movement.

(2) An employer shall ensure that wheel stops, hand brakes, or other approved positive protection to prevent railroad cars from moving during loading or unloading operations are provided, and before and while dockboards or bridge-plates are in position.

(3) An employer shall ensure that provisions are made to isolate rail cars during switching operations as required by General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 1 "General Provisions," as referenced in R 408.12111.

(4) An employer shall ensure that the landing gear of all semi-trailers are visually inspected immediately before the trailer is uncoupled from the tractor to assure ability of the landing gear to support the imposed load.

(5) A semitrailer less than 30 feet in length, when not coupled to a tractor and being loaded or unloaded with a powered industrial truck, shall be provided a support capable of sustaining the load at the front.

(6) An employer shall ensure that the flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars are checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto.