1910.179(j): Overhead Crane Inspections
Employers must inspect new and altered cranes before first use. Cranes in regular service get frequent inspections at daily to monthly intervals and periodic inspections at 1 to 12 month intervals, with items like operating mechanisms, air or hydraulic systems and hooks checked for defects, and deficiencies examined to decide if they are a safety hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 426 times in the last 3 years, in 312 inspections, with $996,188 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (48), TX (32), OH (32).
- Related part: 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection (209 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j) ("Inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 26 sub-paragraphs. 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
(j) Inspection — 426 citations
(1) Inspection classification — Open (j)(1) 53 citations
(i) Initial inspection. Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be inspected to insure compliance with the provisions of this section. 6 citations
(ii) Inspection procedure for cranes in regular service is divided into two general classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as “frequent” and “periodic” with respective intervals between inspections as defined below: Open (j)(1)(ii) 47 citations
(a) Frequent inspection—Daily to monthly intervals.
(b) Periodic inspection—1 to 12-month intervals.
(2) Frequent inspection. The following items shall be inspected for defects at intervals as defined in paragraph (j)(1)(ii) of this section or as specifically indicated, including observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. All deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: Open (j)(2) 209 citations
(i) All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily. Open (j)(2)(i) 8 citations
(ii) Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems. Daily. 2 citations
(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. Open (j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
(iv) Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. 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 an identifier of the chain which was inspected. Open (j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
(v) [Reserved]
(vi) All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components. 2 citations
(vii) Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.
(3) Periodic inspection. Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals as generally defined in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(b) of this section, depending upon its activity, severity of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. These inspections shall include the requirements of paragraph (j)(2) of this section and in addition, the following items. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: Open (j)(3) 158 citations
(i) Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
(ii) Loose bolts or rivets. 1 citations
(iii) Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
(iv) Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices. Open (j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
(v) Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
(vi) Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
(vii) Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety requirements.
(viii) Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
(ix) [Reserved]
(x) Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit switches and pushbutton stations. 1 citations
(4) Cranes not in regular use. 6 citations
(i) A crane which has been idle for a period of 1 month or more, but less than 6 months, shall be given an inspection conforming with requirements of paragraph (j)(2) of this section and paragraph (m)(2) of this section before placing in service. 3 citations
(ii) A crane which has been idle for a period of over 6 months shall be given a complete inspection conforming with requirements of paragraphs (j) (2) and (3) of this section and paragraph (m)(2) of this section before placing in service. 1 citations
(iii) Standby cranes shall be inspected at least semi-annually in accordance with requirements of paragraph (j)(2) of this section and paragraph (m)(2) of this section. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j).
On July 23, 2024, an employee working for a manufacturer of overhead cranes was working nearby a lifting operation. Coworkers were lifting a 101-foot-long by 6-foot-wide by 2-foot-deep box using two overhead cranes in order to place the load on a support table. As one…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 195 |
| 2025 | 136 |
| 2026 | 83 |
Top states: NJ (48), TX (32), OH (32), VA (22), MD (21)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KENRIC STEEL, LLC | MILLVILLE, NJ | $89,417 |
| ABC TECHNOLOGIES WMG USA, INC. | BELLEVUE, OH | $24,198 |
| MONTCLAIR TWP. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | MONTCLAIR, NJ | $21,000 |
| RAIL MODAL GROUP | KANSAS CITY, MO | $19,861 |
| TRIPLE-S STEEL SUPPLY, LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $14,660 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection 209 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3) Periodic inspection 158 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) 55 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
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Frequently asked questions
When must a new or altered crane be inspected?
Prior to initial use, all new and altered cranes must be inspected.
What is the difference between frequent and periodic inspection?
Frequent inspections are at daily to monthly intervals; periodic inspections are at 1 to 12-month intervals.
How often must crane hooks be checked?
Hooks with deformation or cracks get a visual inspection daily and a monthly inspection with a certification record.
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.