1910.179(n)(3)(iii): Smooth Hoisting with Overhead Cranes
During hoisting with overhead and gantry cranes, care must be taken that there is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load and that the load does not contact any obstructions.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(3)(iii) 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 $118,512 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (2), OH (2), NY (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)(3)(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) During hoisting care shall be taken that: 14 citations
(a) There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.
(b) The load does not contact any obstructions.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(n)(3)(iii).
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TX (2), OH (2), NY (2), WI (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107829 - TC AMERICAN CRANE COMPANY | WAITE PARK, MN | $25,000 |
| ITS TECHNOLOGIES & LOGISTICS LLC | EDGERTON, KS | $14,068 |
| HITACHI ENERGY USA INC. | JEFFERSON CITY, MO | $13,265 |
| ABC TECHNOLOGIES WMG USA, INC. | BELLEVUE, OH | $12,098 |
| ARROWALL COMPANY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $12,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(3)(iii), 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)(iii).
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)(2) Attaching the load 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
What must be avoided while hoisting?
Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.
Can the load touch anything on the way?
No. Care must be taken that the load does not contact any obstructions.
Does this apply to overhead and gantry cranes?
Yes. It is part of 1910.179.
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.