1926.1417(o)(1): Do Not Exceed Crane Rated Capacity
Cranes and derricks must not be operated in excess of their rated capacity.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1417(o)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $76,063 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1417(o) Compliance with rated capacity (12 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1417(o)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1417 Operation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). 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) The equipment must not be operated in excess of its rated capacity. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1417.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1417(o)(1).
At 10:30 a.m. on June 21, 2024, an employee working for an electrical contractorwas helping direct a boom crane. It is believed that one of the riggers failed causing the vehicle to become high center and overturn on the passenger side. The employee was struck…
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1417(o)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1417(o)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1417(o) Compliance with rated capacity 12 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 a crane lift more than its rated capacity?
No. The equipment must not be operated in excess of its rated capacity.
Does this paragraph list any exceptions?
No. It simply says the equipment must not be operated in excess of its rated capacity.
Does this apply to every lift?
Yes. No lift may exceed rated capacity.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1417 (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.