1910.180(h)(3)(ix): Crane Outriggers and Blocking
Outriggers must be used when the load at that radius exceeds the manufacturer's rated load without outriggers for that crane. Floats must be securely attached to the outriggers, and wood blocks supporting outriggers must be strong enough to prevent crushing, free from defects and wide and long enough to prevent shifting or toppling under load.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(h)(3)(ix) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $28,889 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.180(h) Handling the load (37 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(h)(3)(ix) is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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
(ix) Outriggers shall be used when the load to be handled at that particular radius exceeds the rated load without outriggers as given by the manufacturer for that crane. Where floats are used they shall be securely attached to the outriggers. Wood blocks used to support outriggers shall: 3 citations
(a) Be strong enough to prevent crushing.
(b) Be free from defects.
(c) Be of sufficient width and length to prevent shifting or toppling under load.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.180(h)(3)(ix) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(h)(3)(ix).
At 3:31 p.m. on January 2, 2025, an employee was operating a spider lift on sitewhile cutting a tree. During the work, the tree crane collapsed and struck the spider lift. The employee fell to the ground and sustained multiple injuries. The employee was hospitalized…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.180(h)(3)(ix), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(h)(3)(ix).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.180(h) Handling the load 37 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3) Moving the load 28 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(v) 12 citations
- 1910.180(h)(3)(i) 6 citations
- 1910.180(h)(2)(ii)
- 1910.180(h)(2) Attaching the load
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Frequently asked questions
When are outriggers required?
When the load at that radius exceeds the manufacturer's rated load without outriggers.
How must floats be attached?
Securely attached to the outriggers.
What must wood blocks be like?
Strong enough to prevent crushing, free from defects and large enough to prevent shifting or toppling.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.180 (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 2026-11-06
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.