1926.251(a)(1): Inspect Rigging Every Shift
Employers must inspect rigging equipment for material handling before use on each shift and as necessary during use to make sure it is safe. Defective rigging equipment must be removed from service.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 68 times in the last 3 years, in 68 inspections, with $310,099 in current penalties.
- 8 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (12), VA (7), MD (7).
- Related part: 1926.251(a) General (180 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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) Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use to ensure that it is safe. Defective rigging equipment shall be removed from service. 68 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
8 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(a)(1).
At 3:15 p.m. on September 10, 2024, employees were installing 84-inch reinforcedconcrete pipes using steel lifting chain slings connected to an excavator. During the process, one of the steel chain slings snapped at the lifting hook, striking a nearby employee in the chest and stomach.…
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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Top states: TX (12), VA (7), MD (7), OH (4), FL (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| APB CONSTRUCTION CORP. | KAPOLEI, HI | $16,550 |
| FERREIRA CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | NEWARK, NJ | $16,550 |
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | LA PORTE, TX | $14,188 |
| JACKSON CONSTRUCTION, LTD. | FORT WORTH, TX | $12,500 |
| J.R. VINAGRO CORPORATION | NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI | $11,754 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA requirements applicable to use of the Contex "Magic Arm" below-the-hook lifting device. (2006-01-25)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(a) General 180 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2) 58 citations
- 1926.251(a)(6) Inspections 45 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2)(i) 33 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2)(iii) 16 citations
- 1926.251(a)(4) 7 citations
- 1926.251(a)(5) Scope
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
How often must rigging be inspected?
Prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use.
What happens to defective rigging?
Defective rigging equipment shall be removed from service.
What equipment does this cover?
Rigging equipment used for material handling.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.251 (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.