1910.184(c)(8): Keep Suspended Loads Clear
Suspended loads must be kept clear of all obstructions.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(c)(8) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $4,965 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)(8) 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
(8) Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions. 2 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)(8).
At 11:15 a.m. on October 21, 2024, Employee #1 was using a lifting hoist to movea truck transmission. During the lift, the transmission swung and struck the employee. The employee sustained bodily injuries and died as a result of the incident.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(c)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(c)(8).
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)(7) 9 citations
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
What must suspended loads be kept clear of?
All obstructions.
Does this apply to sling loads?
Yes, this is part of the sling safe operating practices.
Is there an exception?
The rule lists none.
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.