1926.1412(d)(1): Crane Shift Inspection
A competent person must begin a visual inspection for apparent deficiencies before each shift the crane will be used, finishing before or during that shift, and reassess findings during operation. At a minimum it covers controls, drive mechanisms, pressurized lines, hydraulic fluid level, hooks and latches, wire rope reeving and wire rope, electrical apparatus, tires when in use, and ground conditions around the equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1412(d)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $102,812 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: GA (8), NC (5), TX (5).
- Related part: 1926.1412(d) Each shift (41 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1412 Inspections, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 14 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
(1) A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift. The inspection must consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating taking apart equipment components or booming down is needed. Determinations made in conducting the inspection must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation. At a minimum the inspection must include all of the following: 38 citations
(i) Control mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with proper operation.
(ii) Control and drive mechanisms for apparent excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter.
(iii) Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation.
(iv) Hydraulic system for proper fluid level.
(v) Hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or damage such as from chemicals or heat. 3 citations
(vi) Wire rope reeving for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(vii) Wire rope, in accordance with § 1926.1413(a).
(viii) Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of apparent excessive deterioration, dirt or moisture accumulation.
(ix) Tires (when in use) for proper inflation and condition.
(x) Ground conditions around the equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers/stabilizers and supporting foundations, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of ground conditions for railroad tracks and their underlying support when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213. Open (d)(1)(x)
(xi) The equipment for level position within the tolerances specified by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, both before each shift and after each move and setup.
(xii) Operator cab windows for significant cracks, breaks, or other deficiencies that would hamper the operator's view. 2 citations
(xiii) Rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the equipment has rail traveling. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213.
(xiv) Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1412.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1412(d)(1).
At 10:39 a.m. on July 2, 2024, a custom-fabricated lifting accessory was being used to lift a new roof structure for a grain bin into place. Employees onsite were in the process of bolting the structure when the lifting accessory failed. Employee #1 was working…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: GA (8), NC (5), TX (5), SD (4), MI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HENRY CARLSON CONSTRUCTION LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $13,149 |
| TIDAL ENTERPRISES, LLC | WARREN, RI | $11,500 |
| CROSS COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION, LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 |
| D CRANE RENTAL LLC | MASON, OH | $8,500 |
| ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS INC. | SPARKS, NV | $8,038 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1412(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of the term controlling entity and responsibility for ground conditions for safe crane operations (2012-10-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1412(d) Each shift 41 citations
- 1926.1412(d)(1)(x)
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
Who performs the crane shift inspection?
A competent person.
Must equipment be taken apart for the shift inspection?
Not unless the visual inspection or trial operation shows further investigation needing disassembly or booming down is required.
Are ground conditions part of the inspection?
Yes. Ground conditions around the equipment must be checked for proper support, including settling under outriggers and stabilizers and water accumulation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1412 (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 2026-10-20
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.