1926.753(c): Pre-Shift Crane Inspection in Steel Erection
Cranes used in steel erection must be visually inspected by a competent person before each shift, including watching for problems during operation. The inspection covers controls, drive mechanisms, safety devices, pressurized lines, hooks and latches, wire rope reeving, electrical parts, hydraulic fluid, tires, ground conditions and level position; any hazard found means the crane is removed from service until fixed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.753(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $59,850 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (3), MA (3), NC (2).
- Related part: 1926.753(c)(2) (7 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.753(c) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.753 Hoisting and rigging, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart R). It includes 23 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) General. 10 citations
(1) Pre-shift visual inspection of cranes. Open (c)(1) 3 citations
(i) Cranes being used in steel erection activities shall be visually inspected prior to each shift by a competent person; the inspection shall include observation for deficiencies during operation. At a minimum this inspection shall include the following: Open (c)(1)(i) 2 citations
(A) All control mechanisms for maladjustments;
(B) Control and drive mechanism for excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter;
(C) Safety devices, including but not limited to boom angle indicators, boom stops, boom kick out devices, anti-two block devices, and load moment indicators where required;
(D) Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation;
(E) Hooks and latches for deformation, chemical damage, cracks, or wear;
(F) Wire rope reeving for compliance with hoisting equipment manufacturer's specifications;
(G) Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of excessive deterioration, dirt, or moisture accumulation;
(H) Hydraulic system for proper fluid level;
(I) Tires for proper inflation and condition;
(J) Ground conditions around the hoisting equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions;
(K) The hoisting equipment for level position; and
(L) The hoisting equipment for level position after each move and setup. 1 citations
(ii) If any deficiency is identified, an immediate determination shall be made by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard.
(iii) If the deficiency is determined to constitute a hazard, the hoisting equipment shall be removed from service until the deficiency has been corrected.
(iv) The operator shall be responsible for those operations under the operator's direct control. Whenever there is any doubt as to safety, the operator shall have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured. 1 citations
(2) A qualified rigger (a rigger who is also a qualified person) shall inspect the rigging prior to each shift in accordance with § 1926.251. Open (c)(2) 7 citations
(3) The headache ball, hook or load shall not be used to transport personnel except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
(4) Cranes or derricks may be used to hoist employees on a personnel platform when work under this subpart is being conducted, provided that all provisions of § 1926.1431 (except for § 1926.1431(a)) are met.
(5) Safety latches on hooks shall not be deactivated or made inoperable except: Open (c)(5)
(i) When a qualified rigger has determined that the hoisting and placing of purlins and single joists can be performed more safely by doing so; or
(ii) When equivalent protection is provided in a site-specific erection plan.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.753.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (3), MA (3), NC (2), PA (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FLINTCO, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $16,550 |
| 159485 - ZA CONSTRUCTION OF MS, LLC | GREEN MOUNTAIN, NC | $16,550 |
| CONTRAST METALWORKS LLC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10,938 |
| 159466 - WINSTON CONTRACTING LLC | GREEN MOUNTAIN, NC | $4,965 |
| EMPIRE SHEET METAL, INC. | BRAINTREE, MA | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.753(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. (2010-03-31)
- Applicability of the steel erection standard to repair and installation of metal roofing and roofing accessories. (2002-11-08)
- Fall protection requirements of various construction (1926) standards. (2001-09-18)
- Employees must be kept clear of suspended loads, including multiple lift loads. (2000-08-20)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.753(c)(2) 7 citations
- 1926.753(c)(1) 3 citations
- 1926.753(c)(1)(i) 2 citations
- 1926.753(c)(5)
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
How often must cranes in steel erection be inspected?
Visually, by a competent person, prior to each shift.
What safety devices are checked?
Including but not limited to boom angle indicators, boom stops, boom kick out devices, anti-two block devices and load moment indicators where required.
What happens if a deficiency is found?
The competent person immediately decides if it is a hazard, and if so the hoisting equipment is removed from service until corrected.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.753 (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.