1910.184(c)(10): Hands Clear While Tightening Slings
Employees must not place hands or fingers between a sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(c)(10) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $74,303 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (2), WI (2), NC (1).
- Related part: 1910.184(c) Safe operating practices (265 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(c)(10) is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, 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
(10) Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: OH (2), WI (2), NC (1), NY (1), CO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VERITAS STEEL LLC | WAUSAU, WI | $16,550 |
| GENERAL ENGINEERING COMPANY | ABINGDON, VA | $15,875 |
| LOREN COOK COMPANY | SPRINGFIELD, MO | $11,823 |
| 155413 - AALLIED DIE CASTING COMPANY OF NORTH CAROLINA, AN | RUTHERFORDTON, NC | $9,155 |
| FINZER ROLLER, INC. | PALMYRA, NY | $8,711 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(c)(10), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(c)(10).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(c) Safe operating practices 265 citations
- 1910.184(c)(9) 81 citations
- 1910.184(c)(1) 69 citations
- 1910.184(c)(14) 45 citations
- 1910.184(c)(6) 23 citations
- 1910.184(c)(4) 10 citations
- 1910.184(c)(7) 9 citations
- 1910.184(c)(8) 2 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 I guide a sling with my hand while it tightens?
No. Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened.
When does this rule apply?
While the sling is being tightened around the load.
What injury does this prevent?
Crushed or caught hands and fingers between the sling and the load.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.184 (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.