1926.1425(c): Workers in the Crane Fall Zone
When workers hook, unhook or guide a load, or make the initial connection of a load, while in the fall zone, the materials must be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement, hooks must have self-closing latches or equivalent, and a qualified rigger must rig the materials. J hooks are allowed for setting wooden trusses.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1425(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 41 times in the last 3 years, in 36 inspections, with $256,327 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (6), TX (6), SD (5).
- Related part: 1926.1425(c)(3) (20 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1425(c) is one requirement inside 1926.1425 Keeping clear of the load, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 3 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) When employees are engaged in hooking, unhooking, or guiding the load, or in the initial connection of a load to a component or structure and are within the fall zone, all of the following criteria must be met: 41 citations
(1) The materials being hoisted must be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement. Open (c)(1) 17 citations
(2) Hooks with self-closing latches or their equivalent must be used. Exception: “J” hooks are permitted to be used for setting wooden trusses. 3 citations
(3) The materials must be rigged by a qualified rigger. Open (c)(3) 20 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1425.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1425(c).
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…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: NC (6), TX (6), SD (5), OH (5), GA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MCDERMOTT, LLC | SABINE PASS, TX | $16,550 |
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
| 156273 - BAKER CONCRETE CONSTRUCTORS LLC | CHARLOTTE, NC | $16,131 |
| CARSON CONCRETE CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $14,750 |
| ZACHRY CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PASADENA, TX | $13,240 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1425(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification on rigging for hoisting multiple bundles of construction materials (2019-05-06)
- Whether a tower crane boom or counterweight may be used over public streets or occupied buildings (2013-10-30)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1425(c)(3) 20 citations
- 1926.1425(c)(1) 17 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When does this rule apply?
When employees hook, unhook or guide the load, or make the initial connection of a load to a component or structure, within the fall zone.
What hooks are required?
Hooks with self-closing latches or their equivalent, except J hooks are permitted for setting wooden trusses.
Who must rig the load?
A qualified rigger.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1425 (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.