1910.184(c): Safe Sling Use Practices
Whenever slings are used, employers must make sure damaged or defective slings are not used and slings are not shortened with knots or makeshift devices, kinked, overloaded or used without legible identification markings. Loads must be balanced, securely attached and padded from sharp edges, suspended loads kept clear of obstructions and people, hands kept out, shock loading avoided, and slings not pulled from under resting loads.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(c) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 265 times in the last 3 years, in 213 inspections, with $1,318,143 in current penalties.
- 8 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (45), OH (30), VA (16).
- Related part: 1910.184(c)(9) (81 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(c) ("Safe operating practices") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 14 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) Safe operating practices. Whenever any sling is used, the following practices shall be observed: 265 citations
(1) Slings that are damaged or defective shall not be used. Open (c)(1) 69 citations
(2) Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices. 8 citations
(3) Sling legs shall not be kinked.
(4) Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities. Open (c)(4) 10 citations
(5) Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slippage. 1 citations
(6) Slings shall be securely attached to their loads. Open (c)(6) 23 citations
(7) Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads. Open (c)(7) 9 citations
(8) Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions. Open (c)(8) 2 citations
(9) All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads. Open (c)(9) 81 citations
(10) Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load. Open (c)(10) 12 citations
(11) Shock loading is prohibited.
(12) A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling. 1 citations
(13) Employers must not load a sling in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed by the sling manufacturer on the identification markings permanently affixed to the sling. 2 citations
(14) Employers must not use slings without affixed and legible identification markings. Open (c)(14) 45 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
8 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(c).
At 10:28 p.m. on November 4, 2024, an employee working as an oil well driller for a drilling company was holding pipes to be lifted. The bleeder valve cable that is attached to the elevator broke causing the 30-pound bleeder valve to fall 90 feet…
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 | 12 |
| 2024 | 101 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 70 |
Top states: TX (45), OH (30), VA (16), NY (13), MA (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KYOEI STEEL, LTD | VINTON, TX | $70,000 |
| VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. | TULSA, OK | $52,132 |
| BALLARD CONTRACTORS, INC. | MOUNDVILLE, AL | $30,220 |
| CABRAS MARINE CORPORATION | PITI, GU | $30,145 |
| AXIS ENERGY SERVICES, LLC | CRANE, TX | $22,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Requirement for a safety latch on a sling hook depends on the activity for which the sling is being used. (2006-01-10)
Related parts of this rule
- 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
- 1910.184(c)(8) 2 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
Can a damaged sling be used for a light lift?
No. Slings that are damaged or defective shall not be used.
Can I tie a knot to shorten a sling?
No. Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices.
Can a sling be used if its tag is missing?
No. Employers must not use slings without affixed and legible identification markings.
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.