1926.554: Overhead Hoist Safety
Employers must mark the manufacturer's safe working load on each overhead hoist and never exceed it. The supporting structure must have an equal safe working load, the hoist must be installed so the operator can stand clear of the load, air hoists need adequate air supply with hoses positively connected, and all hoists must meet the manufacturer's requirements.
Key takeaways
- 1926.554 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $11,614 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.554, "Overhead hoists", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart N). It has 8 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.554 (8 paragraphs)
(a) General requirements. 1 citations
(1) The safe working load of the overhead hoist, as determined by the manufacturer, shall be indicated on the hoist, and this safe working load shall not be exceeded.
(2) The supporting structure to which the hoist is attached shall have a safe working load equal to that of the hoist.
(3) The support shall be arranged so as to provide for free movement of the hoist and shall not restrict the hoist from lining itself up with the load.
(4) The hoist shall be installed only in locations that will permit the operator to stand clear of the load at all times.
(5) Air hoists shall be connected to an air supply of sufficient capacity and pressure to safely operate the hoist. All air hoses supplying air shall be positively connected to prevent their becoming disconnected during use.
(6) All overhead hoists in use shall meet the applicable requirements for construction, design, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance, and operation, as prescribed by the manufacturer. 1 citations
(b) Specific requirements. [Reserved]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
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Frequently asked questions
Who sets the safe working load of an overhead hoist?
The manufacturer, and it must be marked on the hoist and not exceeded.
How strong must the hoist support be?
The supporting structure must have a safe working load equal to that of the hoist.
Where can an overhead hoist be installed?
Only in locations that let the operator stand clear of the load at all times.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.554 (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.