1910.180(h): Handling Loads With Crawler, Locomotive and Truck Cranes
Cranes must not be loaded beyond rated load except for testing, and loads limited by structural competence must have their weight known within plus or minus 10 percent. Loads must be attached by slings or approved devices, never by wrapping the hoist rope, and be secured and balanced before lifting more than a few inches. Operators must avoid sudden moves, side dragging, and lifting with anyone on the load or hook, and test brakes on near-rated loads.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(h) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 37 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $165,163 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (6), FL (5), OH (4).
- Related part: 1910.180(h)(3) Moving the load (28 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(h) ("Handling the load") is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 30 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
(h) Handling the load — 37 citations
(1) Size of load. 7 citations
(i) No crane shall be loaded beyond the rated load, except for test purposes as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. 4 citations
(ii) When loads which are limited by structural competence rather than by stability are to be handled, it shall be ascertained that the weight of the load has been determined within plus or minus 10 percent before it is lifted. 3 citations
(2) Attaching the load. Open (h)(2)
(i) The hoist rope shall not be wrapped around the load.
(ii) The load shall be attached to the hook by means of slings or other approved devices. Open (h)(2)(ii)
(3) Moving the load. Open (h)(3) 28 citations
(i) The employer shall assure that: Open (h)(3)(i) 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.
(ii) Before starting to hoist, the following conditions shall be noted:
(a) Hoist rope shall not be kinked.
(b) Multiple part lines shall not be twisted around each other.
(c) The hook shall be brought over the load in such a manner as to prevent swinging.
(iii) During hoisting care shall be taken that: 4 citations
(a) There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.
(b) The load does not contact any obstructions.
(iv) Side loading of booms shall be limited to freely suspended loads. Cranes shall not be used for dragging loads sideways. 1 citations
(v) No hoisting, lowering, swinging, or traveling shall be done while anyone is on the load or hook. Open (h)(3)(v) 12 citations
(vi) The operator should avoid carrying loads over people. 1 citations
(vii) On truck-mounted cranes, no loads shall be lifted over the front area except as approved by the crane manufacturer.
(viii) The operator shall test the brakes each time a load approaching the rated load is handled by raising it a few inches and applying the brakes.
(ix) Outriggers shall be used when the load to be handled at that particular radius exceeds the rated load without outriggers as given by the manufacturer for that crane. Where floats are used they shall be securely attached to the outriggers. Wood blocks used to support outriggers shall: Open (h)(3)(ix) 3 citations
(a) Be strong enough to prevent crushing.
(b) Be free from defects.
(c) Be of sufficient width and length to prevent shifting or toppling under load.
(x) Neither the load nor the boom shall be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on their respective drums.
(xi) Before lifting loads with locomotive cranes without using outriggers, means shall be applied to prevent the load from being carried by the truck springs.
(xii) When two or more cranes are used to lift one load, one designated person shall be responsible for the operation. He shall be required to analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.
(xiii) In transit the following additional precautions shall be exercised:
(a) The boom shall be carried in line with the direction of motion.
(b) The superstructure shall be secured against rotation, except when negotiating turns when there is an operator in the cab or the boom is supported on a dolly.
(c) The empty hook shall be lashed or otherwise restrained so that it cannot swing freely.
(xiv) Before traveling a crane with load, a designated person shall be responsible for determining and controlling safety. Decisions such as position of load, boom location, ground support, travel route, and speed of movement shall be in accord with his determinations.
(xv) A crane with or without load shall not be traveled with the boom so high that it may bounce back over the cab.
(xvi) When rotating the crane, sudden starts and stops shall be avoided. Rotational speed shall be such that the load does not swing out beyond the radii at which it can be controlled. A tag or restraint line shall be used when rotation of the load is hazardous. 1 citations
(xvii) When a crane is to be operated at a fixed radius, the boom-hoist pawl or other positive locking device shall be engaged.
(xviii) Ropes shall not be handled on a winch head without the knowledge of the operator.
(xix) While a winch head is being used, the operator shall be within convenient reach of the power unit control lever.
(4) Holding the load. 2 citations
(i) The operator shall not be permitted to leave his position at the controls while the load is suspended.
(ii) No person should be permitted to stand or pass under a load on the hook. 2 citations
(iii) If the load must remain suspended for any considerable length of time, the operator shall hold the drum from rotating in the lowering direction by activating the positive controllable means of the operator's station.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Export the list: 30 inspections cited 1910.180(h) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(h).
At 3:31 p.m. on January 2, 2025, an employee was operating a spider lift on sitewhile cutting a tree. During the work, the tree crane collapsed and struck the spider lift. The employee fell to the ground and sustained multiple injuries. The employee was hospitalized…
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: TX (6), FL (5), OH (4), IN (3), VA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GULF MARINE REPAIR CORPORATION | TAMPA, FL | $24,825 |
| FLYWAY ACCESS, LLC | OCALA, FL | $16,550 |
| THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY | PARMA, OH | $16,550 |
| LIGHTNING OILFIELD SERVICES, INC. | BIG SPRING, TX | $9,679 |
| GOLDSMITH UNIT SERVICES, LLC | GARDEN CITY, TX | $9,268 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.180(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(h).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.180(h)(3) Moving the load 28 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(v) 12 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(i) 6 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
Can the hoist rope be wrapped around the load?
No. The load must be attached to the hook by slings or other approved devices.
How accurately must load weight be known?
For loads limited by structural competence rather than stability, within plus or minus 10 percent before lifting.
Can a crane drag a load sideways?
No. Cranes shall not be used for dragging loads sideways.
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.