1926.251(a)(2): Rigging Load Markings
Employers must make sure rigging equipment has permanently affixed, legible identification markings from the manufacturer showing the recommended safe working load, is not loaded beyond that load, and is not used without those markings.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 58 times in the last 3 years, in 54 inspections, with $227,587 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (9), IL (5), NC (5).
- 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)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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
(2) Employers must ensure that rigging equipment: 58 citations
(i) Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load; Open (a)(2)(i) 33 citations
(ii) Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer; and 7 citations
(iii) Not be used without affixed, legible identification markings, required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. Open (a)(2)(iii) 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(a)(2).
At 9:30 a.m. on February 12, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer for a steel and concrete contractor and was standing on one side of a 40-foot-long metal beam being loaded onto a truck. Coworker #1 was operating an excavator while Employee…
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 | 6 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Top states: TX (9), IL (5), NC (5), FL (5), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | LA PORTE, TX | $28,376 |
| SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $16,550 |
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | WHARTON, TX | $16,550 |
| 159485 - ZA CONSTRUCTION OF MS, LLC | GREEN MOUNTAIN, NC | $16,550 |
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $16,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(a) General 180 citations
- 1926.251(a)(1) 68 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
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Frequently asked questions
What markings must rigging have?
Permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load.
Can rigging be used without a tag?
No. It must not be used without affixed, legible identification markings.
Can rigging be loaded over its rating?
No. It must not be loaded in excess of the recommended safe working load on its markings.
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.