1910.179(n)(3)(vi): Do Not Carry Loads Over People
Employers must require overhead and gantry crane operators to avoid carrying loads over people.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $116,312 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (2), IA (2), TX (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)(vi) 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
(vi) The employer shall require that the operator avoid carrying loads over people. 18 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(n)(3)(vi).
At 4:50 a.m. on January 13, 2024, Employee #1 (a 30-year-old male) was working at the bottom of a pit, while molten metal was poured from a ladle maneuvered bya crane above into a casting. Unexpectedly, the ladle became stuck in the open position, spilling…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: OH (2), IA (2), TX (2), KS (2), NE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ELLWOOD ENGINEERED CASTINGS COMPANY | HUBBARD, OH | $16,131 |
| UNIVERSAL GRANITE & MARBLE, INC. | OMAHA, NE | $13,000 |
| CSX INTERMODAL TERMINALS, INC. | WINTER HAVEN, FL | $11,292 |
| SUGAR STEEL CORPORATION | PERRYSBURG, OH | $10,372 |
| ELLWOOD GROUP, INC. | NAVASOTA, TX | $10,129 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(3)(vi), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Cranes and the use of protective helmets (2024-06-06)
- Whether crane lifting devices are considered to be part of the load and are allowed to be hoisted over personnel. (2007-11-16)
- Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people. (1999-03-24)
- An engine overhaul work station being developed. (1990-03-08)
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)(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
Can a crane operator carry a load over workers?
The employer must require the operator to avoid carrying loads over people.
Who is responsible for this rule?
The employer must require it, and the operator carries it out.
What should workers do when a load is moving?
Stay out from under loads so the operator can avoid carrying them over people.
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.