1910.244(a)(1): Jack Rating and Load Marking
The operator must make sure the jack has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load. The rated load must be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent place on the jack by casting, stamping or other suitable means.
Key takeaways
- 1910.244(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 307 times in the last 3 years, in 305 inspections, with $276,997 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (66), CT (55), TN (55).
- Related part: 1910.244(a) Jacks (476 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.244(a)(1) ("Loading and marking") is one requirement inside 1910.244 Other portable tools and equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). It includes 2 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
(1) Loading and marking. 307 citations
(i) The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load. Open (a)(1)(i) 4 citations
(ii) The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping, or other suitable means. Open (a)(1)(ii) 303 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.244.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.244(a)(1).
At 10:30 a.m. on November 13, 2024, an employee working as a the mechanic shop foreman for an automobile parts store had just returned from his morning break. The employee and a coworker working as a foreman had begun working on a vehicle together. The…
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 | 23 |
| 2024 | 91 |
| 2025 | 111 |
| 2026 | 82 |
Top states: NY (66), CT (55), TN (55), NJ (46), MD (33)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| L & M TOWING AND REPAIR, INC. | VERMILION, OH | $12,412 |
| FLEET FARM OF MENOMONIE LLC | MENOMONIE, WI | $10,129 |
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE | TORRANCE, CA | $9,500 |
| AMERIT FLEET SOLUTIONS, INC. | PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL | $9,457 |
| CELINA ALUMINUM PRECISION TECHNOLOGY, INC. | CELINA, OH | $7,440 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.244(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.244(a)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.244(a) Jacks 476 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1)(ii) 303 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2) Operation and maintenance 169 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vi) 123 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(iii) 33 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(v) 1 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)
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
Who must check the jack rating?
The operator must make sure the jack's rating is sufficient to lift and sustain the load.
How must the rated load be shown?
Legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping or other suitable means.
Is lifting enough, or must the jack hold the load too?
The rating must be sufficient to both lift and sustain the load.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.244 (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 2026-10-20
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.