1926.1413(c): Annual Crane Wire Rope Inspection
At least every 12 months, a qualified person must inspect crane wire ropes in use, thoroughly covering their entire length, with attention to critical items, normally hidden sections, reverse bends and rope over sheaves. If a defect is a safety hazard, the rope may not be used until replaced or the damaged part is cut out, and splicing is prohibited.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1413(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $250 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (7), MD (3), CT (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1413(c) ("Annual/comprehensive") is one requirement inside 1926.1413 Wire rope—inspection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 15 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
(c) Annual/comprehensive. 13 citations
(1) At least every 12 months, wire ropes in use on equipment must be inspected by a qualified person in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section (shift inspection). 9 citations
(2) In addition, at least every 12 months, the wire ropes in use on equipment must be inspected by a qualified person, as follows: 2 citations
(i) The inspection must be for deficiencies of the types listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(ii) The inspection must be complete and thorough, covering the surface of the entire length of the wire ropes, with particular attention given to all of the following: 1 citations
(A) Critical review items listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
(B) Those sections that are normally hidden during shift and monthly inspections.
(C) Wire rope subject to reverse bends.
(D) Wire rope passing over sheaves.
(iii) Exception: In the event an inspection under paragraph (c)(2) of this section is not feasible due to existing set-up and configuration of the equipment (such as where an assist crane is needed) or due to site conditions (such as a dense urban setting), such inspections must be conducted as soon as it becomes feasible, but no longer than an additional 6 months for running ropes and, for standing ropes, at the time of disassembly.
(3) If a deficiency is identified, an immediate determination must be made by the qualified person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard.
(i) If the deficiency is determined to constitute a safety hazard, operations involving use of the wire rope in question must be prohibited until:
(A) The wire rope is replaced (see § 1926.1417), or
(B) If the deficiency is localized, the problem is corrected by severing the wire rope in two; the undamaged portion may continue to be used. Joining lengths of wire rope by splicing is prohibited. If a rope is shortened under this paragraph, the employer must ensure that the drum will still have two wraps of wire when the load and/or boom is in its lowest position.
(ii) If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a safety hazard, the deficiency needs to be monitored, the employer must ensure that the deficiency is checked in the monthly inspections.
(4) The inspection must be documented according to § 1926.1412(f)(7) (annual/comprehensive inspection documentation). 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1413.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MI (7), MD (3), CT (1), RI (1), OK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FLOTATION DOCKING SYSTEMS, INC | BOYNE CITY, MI | $250 |
| A-N-J CONSTRUCTION | BRIGHTON, MI | $0 |
| SIGN DYNAMICS INC. | DANIELSON, CT | $0 |
| DAVIS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | BAY CITY, MI | $0 |
| TIDAL ENTERPRISES, LLC | WARREN, RI | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1413(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1413(c).
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Frequently asked questions
How often is the comprehensive wire rope inspection?
At least every 12 months.
Who performs it?
A qualified person.
What if the inspection is not feasible due to setup or site conditions?
It must be done as soon as feasible, but no longer than an additional 6 months for running ropes, and at disassembly for standing ropes.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1413 (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.