1926.1412(d): Shift Inspection of Cranes
A competent person must begin a visual inspection before each shift the crane is used, finishing before or during that shift, looking for apparent deficiencies. At minimum it covers controls, drive mechanisms, pressurized lines, hydraulic fluid, hooks and latches, wire rope and reeving, electrical apparatus, tires and ground conditions.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1412(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 41 times in the last 3 years, in 39 inspections, with $129,632 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: GA (8), TX (6), NC (5).
- Related part: 1926.1412(d)(1) (38 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1412(d) ("Each shift") is one requirement inside 1926.1412 Inspections, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 17 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
(d) Each shift. 41 citations
(1) A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift. The inspection must consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating taking apart equipment components or booming down is needed. Determinations made in conducting the inspection must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation. At a minimum the inspection must include all of the following: Open (d)(1) 38 citations
(i) Control mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with proper operation.
(ii) Control and drive mechanisms for apparent excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter.
(iii) Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation.
(iv) Hydraulic system for proper fluid level.
(v) Hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or damage such as from chemicals or heat. 3 citations
(vi) Wire rope reeving for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(vii) Wire rope, in accordance with § 1926.1413(a).
(viii) Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of apparent excessive deterioration, dirt or moisture accumulation.
(ix) Tires (when in use) for proper inflation and condition.
(x) Ground conditions around the equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers/stabilizers and supporting foundations, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of ground conditions for railroad tracks and their underlying support when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213. Open (d)(1)(x)
(xi) The equipment for level position within the tolerances specified by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, both before each shift and after each move and setup.
(xii) Operator cab windows for significant cracks, breaks, or other deficiencies that would hamper the operator's view. 2 citations
(xiii) Rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the equipment has rail traveling. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213.
(xiv) Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation.
(2) If any deficiency in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (xiii) of this section (or in additional inspection items required to be checked for specific types of equipment in accordance with other sections of this standard) is identified, an immediate determination must be made by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard. If the deficiency is determined to constitute a safety hazard, the equipment must be taken out of service until it has been corrected. See § 1926.1417. 3 citations
(3) If any deficiency in paragraph (d)(1)(xiv) of this section (safety devices/operational aids) is identified, the action specified in §§ 1926.1415 and 1926.1416 must be taken prior to using the equipment.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1412.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1412(d).
At 10:39 a.m. on July 2, 2024, a custom-fabricated lifting accessory was being used to lift a new roof structure for a grain bin into place. Employees onsite were in the process of bolting the structure when the lifting accessory failed. Employee #1 was working…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: GA (8), TX (6), NC (5), SD (4), MI (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CROSS COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION, LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 |
| SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $16,550 |
| HENRY CARLSON CONSTRUCTION LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $13,149 |
| TIDAL ENTERPRISES, LLC | WARREN, RI | $11,500 |
| D CRANE RENTAL LLC | MASON, OH | $8,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1412(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of the term controlling entity and responsibility for ground conditions for safe crane operations (2012-10-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1412(d)(1) 38 citations
- 1926.1412(d)(1)(x)
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 does the shift inspection?
A competent person.
Must equipment be taken apart for the shift inspection?
No, unless the visual inspection or trial operation shows further investigation is needed.
Are ground conditions part of the inspection?
Yes, including ground settling under and around outriggers or stabilizers and ground water accumulation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1412 (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 2026-10-19
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.