1926.1417(o): Staying Within Crane Rated Capacity
Cranes must not be operated beyond their rated capacity, and operators must not be required to do so. The operator must verify the load is within capacity using an industry-recognized weight source or calculation, or by using a load weighing or capacity device to check if it exceeds 75 percent of maximum rated capacity at the longest radius and, if it does, verifying the weight before continuing.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1417(o) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $102,185 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (2), SD (2), TX (2).
- Related part: 1926.1417(o)(1) (8 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1417(o) ("Compliance with rated capacity") is one requirement inside 1926.1417 Operation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 5 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
(o) Compliance with rated capacity. 12 citations
(1) The equipment must not be operated in excess of its rated capacity. Open (o)(1) 8 citations
(2) The operator must not be required to operate the equipment in a manner that would violate paragraph (o)(1) of this section. 2 citations
(3) Load weight. The operator must verify that the load is within the rated capacity of the equipment by at least one of the following methods: 2 citations
(i) The weight of the load must be determined from a source recognized by the industry (such as the load's manufacturer), or by a calculation method recognized by the industry (such as calculating a steel beam from measured dimensions and a known per foot weight), or by other equally reliable means. In addition, when requested by the operator, this information must be provided to the operator prior to the lift; or
(ii) The operator must begin hoisting the load to determine, using a load weighing device, load moment indicator, rated capacity indicator, or rated capacity limiter, if it exceeds 75 percent of the maximum rated capacity at the longest radius that will be used during the lift operation. If it does, the operator must not proceed with the lift until he/she verifies the weight of the load in accordance with paragraph (o)(3)(i) of this section.
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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: NJ (2), SD (2), TX (2), MN (1), CO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
| SERVICE ELECTRIC COMPANY | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL | $16,131 |
| NORTH AMERICAN WALL CORPORATION | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $15,000 |
| SOUTHEAST TEXAS INDUSTRIES, INC. | PUEBLO, CO | $14,518 |
| PROLIFT RIGGING COMPANY | AUSTIN, TX | $13,240 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1417(o), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1417(o).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1417(o)(1) 8 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can an operator be told to exceed rated capacity?
No. The operator must not be required to operate in a way that exceeds rated capacity.
How can the load weight be verified?
From an industry-recognized source or calculation, or by using a load weighing device, load moment indicator, rated capacity indicator or limiter.
What happens at more than 75 percent capacity?
If the load exceeds 75 percent of the maximum rated capacity at the longest radius, the operator must not proceed until the weight is verified by a recognized source or calculation.
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.