Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-26-14. Persons and machinery exempt from chapter

(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to engineers under the jurisdiction of the United States, or engineers or operators employed by public utilities, and shall not apply to agriculturists, fishers, horticulturists, and individuals utilizing their personal farm equipment performing volunteer services on land trust property, or to any engine except one that operates a hoist, shovel, crane, or excavator.

(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to powered industrial forklift trucks commonly referenced as forklifts, pallet trucks, rider trucks, fork trucks, or lift trucks. Operators of powered industrial forklift trucks (forklifts, pallet trucks, rider trucks, fork trucks, lift trucks) shall be required to possess employer certification or third-party certification in general industry only. This does not apply to the construction field. Operators of powered industrial forklift trucks, in the construction field, shall be required to possess a Rhode Island State Hoisting Engineer's License along with an operator's certification.