1910.184(c)(7): Pad Slings from Sharp Edges
Employers must make sure slings are padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(c)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $60,465 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.184(c) Safe operating practices (265 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(c)(7) is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, 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
(7) Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(c)(7).
At 7:45 a.m. on June 11, 2024, an employee working as a forklift operator for a stainless-steel manufacturer was assisting a coworker, also a forklift operator,by directing movement of an 800-pound steel beam. The strap holding the beam ripped and the beam struck the employee.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(c)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(c)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(c) Safe operating practices 265 citations
- 1910.184(c)(9) 81 citations
- 1910.184(c)(1) 69 citations
- 1910.184(c)(14) 45 citations
- 1910.184(c)(6) 23 citations
- 1910.184(c)(10) 12 citations
- 1910.184(c)(4) 10 citations
- 1910.184(c)(8) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do slings need protection from sharp edges?
Yes. Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads.
Does this apply to all slings?
Yes. The rule applies to slings used on loads with sharp edges.
What can I use to protect the sling?
Padding or other protection that keeps the sling off the sharp edges.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.184 (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.