1910.179(n)(3)(i): Secure and Balance Crane Loads
Employers must make sure an overhead crane load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $158,422 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), TX (4), NY (3).
- 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)(3)(i) 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
(i) The load shall be well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches. 25 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: OH (5), TX (4), NY (3), IN (2), ME (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES, INC. | OCALA, FL | $16,550 |
| CUSHAW HYDRO, LLC | BIG ISLAND, VA | $15,375 |
| ARCOSA WIND TOWERS, INC. | BELEN, NM | $14,898 |
| TAPCOENPRO, LLC | CHANNELVIEW, TX | $14,895 |
| CIVES STEEL COMPANY NEW ENGLAND | AUGUSTA, ME | $14,063 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(n)(3)(i).
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)(vi) 18 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2) Attaching the load 14 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
When must the load be checked?
Before it is lifted more than a few inches.
What must be checked?
That the load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
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.