1910.179(j)(2)(iii): Inspecting Crane Hooks
Crane hooks must be visually inspected daily for deformation or cracks, and inspected monthly with a certification record showing the date, the inspector's signature and the hook's serial number or other identifier. Hooks with cracks, more than 15 percent extra throat opening, or more than 10 degrees of twist must be handled under (l)(3)(iii)(a).
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 55 times in the last 3 years, in 55 inspections, with $87,629 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (12), TX (5), OH (5).
- Related part: 1910.179(j) Inspection (426 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(iii) Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected. For hooks with cracks or having more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening or more than 10° twist from the plane of the unbent hook refer to paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(a) of this section. 55 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j)(2)(iii).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 20, 2024, an employee working for a fabricated steel manufacturer was rigging a flitch plate to a 5-ton Detroit Crane with a double-leg chain. The hooks on the rigging were missing safety latches causing the plate to fall from the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NJ (12), TX (5), OH (5), MD (5), PA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| DANZER VENEER AMERICAS, INC | WILLIAMSPORT, PA | $10,372 |
| MHC CARRIER TRANSICOLD - KANSAS CITY | KANSAS CITY, KS | $9,930 |
| PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES USA LLC | CORTLAND, OH | $9,162 |
| MUELLER ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS, LLC | BROOKSHIRE, TX | $7,260 |
| MONTCLAIR TWP. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | MONTCLAIR, NJ | $7,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(j)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(j)(2)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j) Inspection 426 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection 209 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3) Periodic inspection 158 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1) Inspection classification 53 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) 47 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(i) 8 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How often must crane hooks be inspected?
Visually daily, and monthly with a certification record.
What goes on the monthly record?
The date of inspection, the signature of the inspector, and the hook's serial number or other identifier.
When is a hook out of limits?
When it has cracks, more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening, or more than 10 degrees twist from the plane of the unbent hook.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.