1910.179(n)(2): Attaching Loads to Overhead Cranes
Employers must make sure the hoist chain or rope is free of kinks or twists and is not wrapped around the load. The load must be attached to the load block hook with slings or other approved devices, and care must be taken that the sling clears all obstacles.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $63,615 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (4), VT (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1910.179(n) Handling the load (101 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(n)(2) ("Attaching the load") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 3 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
(2) Attaching the load. 14 citations
(i) The hoist chain or hoist rope shall be free from kinks or twists and shall not be wrapped around the load. Open (n)(2)(i) 2 citations
(ii) The load shall be attached to the load block hook by means of slings or other approved devices. Open (n)(2)(ii) 9 citations
(iii) Care shall be taken to make certain that the sling clears all obstacles. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: NY (4), VT (2), NJ (2), CT (1), NE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSAL STAINLESS AND ALLOY PRODUCTS | DUNKIRK, NY | $16,550 |
| UNITED RENTALS | MICKLETON, NJ | $16,550 |
| NOLATO GW, INC. | SOUTH ROYALTON, VT | $9,678 |
| BELLAVANCE TRUCKING, INC. | BARRE, VT | $8,437 |
| RELIANCE STEEL & ALUMINUM CO. | WALLINGFORD, CT | $8,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(n) Handling the load 101 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3) Moving the load 73 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(i) 25 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) 18 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2)(ii) 9 citations
- 1910.179(n)(4) Hoist limit switch 8 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(x) 7 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(xi) 3 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2)(i) 2 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(ix) 1 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
Can the hoist rope be wrapped around the load?
No. The hoist chain or hoist rope shall not be wrapped around the load.
How must the load be attached?
To the load block hook by means of slings or other approved devices.
What condition must the hoist rope be in?
Free from kinks or twists.
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.