1910.179(j)(2): Frequent Inspection of Overhead Cranes
Employers must inspect overhead and gantry cranes for defects at the defined frequent intervals and watch for defects during operation, deciding whether any deficiency is a safety hazard. Items include daily checks of operating mechanisms and air or hydraulic systems, daily visual and monthly certified inspections of hooks and hoist chains, wear of operating mechanisms, and rope reeving against the manufacturer's recommendations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 209 times in the last 3 years, in 177 inspections, with $422,652 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (29), OH (19), MD (14).
- Related part: 1910.179(j) Inspection (426 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2) ("Frequent inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 7 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
(2) Frequent inspection. The following items shall be inspected for defects at intervals as defined in paragraph (j)(1)(ii) of this section or as specifically indicated, including observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. All deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: 209 citations
(i) All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily. Open (j)(2)(i) 8 citations
(ii) Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems. Daily. 2 citations
(iii) Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected. For hooks with cracks or having more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening or more than 10° twist from the plane of the unbent hook refer to paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(a) of this section. Open (j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
(iv) Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected. Open (j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
(v) [Reserved]
(vi) All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components. 2 citations
(vii) Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j)(2).
On July 23, 2024, an employee working for a manufacturer of overhead cranes was working nearby a lifting operation. Coworkers were lifting a 101-foot-long by 6-foot-wide by 2-foot-deep box using two overhead cranes in order to place the load on a support table. As one…
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 | 9 |
| 2024 | 97 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Top states: NJ (29), OH (19), MD (14), TX (13), MN (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRIPLE-S STEEL SUPPLY, LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $14,660 |
| GERDAU AMERISTEEL US, INC. | WILTON, IA | $14,068 |
| MONTCLAIR TWP. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | MONTCLAIR, NJ | $14,000 |
| ABC TECHNOLOGIES WMG USA, INC. | BELLEVUE, OH | $12,099 |
| ABC TECHNOLOGIES WMG USA, INC. | BELLEVUE, OH | $12,098 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(j)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(j)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j) Inspection 426 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3) Periodic inspection 158 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1) Inspection classification 53 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) 47 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(i) 8 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How often must crane hooks be inspected?
Visual inspection daily and a monthly inspection with a certification record.
What goes in the monthly hook certification record?
The date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed it, and the serial number or other identifier of the hook.
What happens if a deficiency is found?
It must be carefully examined and a determination made as to whether it constitutes a safety hazard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (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 2026-10-21
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.