rnlmcswma:

If the "work box" you are referring to is the Pro-Tech Material Handling Box (MH08T), it would not be acceptable as a rough terrain work platform in Michigan, an OSHA state plan state. Under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA), which is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), Michigan promulgates its own health and safety regulations. Very few of these regulations are identical to federal OSHA regulations. Copies of the MIOSHA Health and Safety Standards can be downloaded free of charge. Google: DLEG Standards and Legislation (or) Michigan.gov/MIOSHA standards. I also recommend you Google: MIOSHA Construction Fact Sheets - Rough Terrain Fork Trucks. This publication will outline the Michigan construction safety standards pertinent to rough terrain fork truck platforms. (You did not specify what type of activity your company performs. I am assuming that it is some type of "construction activity").

You did not define what you mean by "lifting". It could mean elevating personnel in a work platform to perform work from within the work platform, or it could mean transporting personnel to a height where they would disembark to perform work outside of the basket. MIOSHA, Construction Safety Standard, Part 12, Rule 1243(19) (Rough terrain forklift truck scaffolds; equipment requirements; employee safety requirements) requires employees to enter and exit the work platform only when it has been lowered to ground level. An exception allows employees to exit the work platform at an elevated height but only if the work area is otherwise inaccessible or hazardous to reach by other elevating means (ladder. scaffold, etc.). (Note: the exception cannot be used just for "convenience").

The exception also requires that the employer has knowledge that employees will be leaving the basket and that the employer consents to such activity. It also requires that the employer provide and enforce the use of additional fall protection when employee's exit or enter the work platform at height.

Rule 1243(5) requires the work platform to have a continuous guardrail system (all sides) with top rail capable of 200 pound force in all directions; with mid rail capable of 200 pound side force, and toeboard with a nominal 4 inch height.

Rule 1243(9) requires all employees elevated on a variable reach forklift work platform to wear approved fall protection safety devices (full body harness and safety lanyard). (This requirement is in addition to the guardrail requirements).

Do not use the ANSI/ASME/ITSDF manufacturer's requirements for work platforms as the sole source for specifications. OSHA (federal or state) occupational safety standards go beyond these minimum specifications.

Michigan has a general duty clause that allows MIOSHA to enforce consensus safety standards or a body of safety knowledge even if it has not adopted such information by reference or referred to it in the occupational health and safety standards. The General Duty Clause addresses recognized hazards. (MIOSHA, Administrative Rules, Part 13, Inspections and Investigation; Citations and Proposed Penalties. Rule 1303 (1), Scope: "The act requires that every employer covered under the act furnish to his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. The act also requires that employers comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the act, and that employees comply with standards, rules, regulations, and orders issued under the act which are applicable to their own actions and conduct."

Under the MIOSHA General Duty Clause, the following ANSI/ITSDF rules could be enforceable: ANSI/ITSDF B56.6 (2005), Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks, 5.15 Elevating Personnel (all). Special attention should be given to the first part of 5.15 (1): "A ro