1910.180(h)(3)(i): Level Crane and Balanced Load Before Lifting
Employers must make sure the crawler, locomotive or truck crane is level and, where needed, blocked properly. The load must be well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(h)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $32,369 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.180(h) Handling the load (37 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(h)(3)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck 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 employer shall assure that: 6 citations
(a) The crane is level and where necessary blocked properly.
(b) The load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Export the list: 6 inspections cited 1910.180(h)(3)(i) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(h)(3)(i).
At 7:15 p.m. on July 18, 2024, an employee was rigging crane weights to make a stack. The crane weights became unstable and fell on the employee as he was bentover. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(h)(3)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.180(h) Handling the load 37 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3) Moving the load 28 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(v) 12 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(ix) 3 citations
- 1910.180(h)(2)(ii)
- 1910.180(h)(2) Attaching the load
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Frequently asked questions
Must the crane be level?
Yes, level and blocked properly where necessary.
When must the load be checked?
It must be well secured and balanced before it is lifted more than a few inches.
Who must ensure this?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.180 (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 2026-11-06
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.