Safety
Washington L&I is proposing rule changes to clarify qualifications and responsibilities when forklifts are used in construction to lift suspended loads. The update would also refine definitions and other crane-rule requ…
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Key Facts
- Washington Department of Labor & Industries said it is working on rulemaking for forklift use in construction to lift a suspended load.
- The agency finalized an update to its cranes, rigging and personal lifting rule in August 2025 to remain at least as effective as federal OSHA.
- L&I launched the latest rulemaking after receiving a petition in December.
- Associated General Contractors of Washington said a key dispute is the interpretation that a forklift is a crane in certain lifting scenarios.
- Potential changes include clarified responsibilities for lift directors, riggers, inspections, documentation, proof load testing, certification, and critical lift plans.
What Happened
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries said it is working on rulemaking that would add “new or amended language” to clarify certification and qualification requirements for operators using a forklift in construction to lift a suspended load.
The agency finalized an update to its cranes, rigging and personal lifting rule in August 2025 “in order to remain at least as effective as the federal OSHA,” and it said the latest rulemaking began after a petition received in December.
Why It Matters
For contractors and industrial operators, the issue is not just terminology. The Associated General Contractors of Washington said one point of contention is “the interpretation that a forklift is a crane” when it is used to raise and lower and move loads horizontally using a hook or shackle.
That interpretation can affect who is qualified to operate the equipment, what planning is required, and how companies document compliance. For buyers and EHS teams, changes may also affect training scope, site procedures, and how lift-related responsibilities are assigned.
Key Details
- The rulemaking would clarify definitions in Chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L.
- Potential changes would spell out responsibilities for lift director qualifications, rigger qualifications, and other workers.
- The update could also tighten requirements for inspections and documentation “for consistency and clarity.”
- Washington L&I said the changes may clarify proof load testing and certification.
- The agency also signaled clearer requirements for critical lift plans and operational aids.
The source does not indicate final wording or timing for adoption. For now, the practical signal is that Washington is still refining how suspended-load work with forklifts should be interpreted and governed under the state crane framework.
What To Watch Next
Operations teams with Washington work sites should watch for revisions that could change how they classify forklift-assisted lifts, who must be qualified, and what records must be maintained.
Procurement and EHS teams should also check whether procedures, training materials, lift plans, inspection forms, and certification records align with the forthcoming language once it is issued.
Alliance's Take
Customers using forklifts for suspended-load work in Washington should review whether current procedures clearly assign operator, rigger, and lift-director responsibilities. If the rule changes land as described, documentation and qualification records may need tighter control.
For multi-site operations, it may be prudent to compare Washington practices with federal OSHA-aligned programs now, so training, inspection, and critical-lift paperwork can be updated without disrupting field work.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Washington L&I trying to clarify?
The agency said it wants language that clarifies certification and qualification requirements for operators using a forklift in construction to lift a suspended load.
What parts of the rule could change?
The source says updates may address lift director qualifications, rigger qualifications, inspections, documentation, proof load testing, certification, and critical lift plans.
Why is the forklift issue disputed?
Associated General Contractors of Washington said the dispute centers on whether a forklift is treated as a crane when it is used to raise and lower and move loads horizontally using a hook or shackle.
Sources
About the author
Andre Taki
This article is for informational purposes only.