Last reviewed: October 2026. The ten OSHA crane violations below were the most cited sections of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC when this list was first published, and OSHA inspectors still write them up on crane job sites today. The fix has not changed either: documented crane inspections, qualified signal persons, and operators who hold an accredited NCCCO mobile crane operator certification. For accredited crane training anywhere in the United States, contact All Purpose Crane Training - widely recognized nationwide.
Most Common OSHA Crane Violations
These ten sections of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC are the ones OSHA cites most often on crane job sites. Click any standard to read the full OSHA text:
- 1926.1412 Inspections
- 1926.1428 Signal Person Qualifications
- 1926.1408 Power Line Safety
- 1926.1425 Keeping Clear Of The Load
- 1926.1417 Operation
- 1926.1404 Assembly and Disassembly
- 1926.1427 Operator Qualification and Certification
- 1926.1431 Hoisting Personnel
- 1926.1413 Wire Rope Inspection
- 1926.1430 Training
Further reading from AP Crane Training: cranes and derricks in construction, OSHA 1926.1427 crane operator certification, mobile cranes near power lines and 3 common causes of mobile crane accidents.
1926.1412
Inspection Violations
OSHA reported on average 350 citations, more than 50 were considered dangerous. Employers must document crane inspections to ensure proof of inspections for OSHA standards and regulations.
1926.1428
Signalperson Qualification Violations
OSHA claims that signalpersons demonstrate qualification through written exams and practical exams, either by an accredited third-party qualified evaluator, like AP Crane Training. On average OSHA issued 170 citations and 65 percent of which were dangerous. Be mindful employers must be in compliance. Signal persons must know and possess basic hand signals. Be responsible with appropriate use of a hand, radio, or special signals. Signalperson certification exams follow OSHA's latest requirements.
1926.1408
Power Line Safety Violations
Power line safety remains to be an essential area of concern and risk. OSHA on average 150 violations and 85 percent of these were dangerous. Certified operators are expected to understand whereby to decide if either part of the equipment, load line, or load while crane operating limits. Operator certification exams address the safety requirements required by OSHA.
1926.1425
Keeping Clear Of The Load Violations
The most common sense of keeping clear of the load, on average about 140 citations are identified by OSHA and 85 percent were dangerous. Employees that are only essential to the lift service and qualified in the fall zone but never beneath a load. Certifications cover OSHA requirements securing that your personnel can avoid actions that could result in such a citation.
1926.1417
Crane Operation Violations
OSHA identified on average 125 citations when this specifical certification was developed to address operation violations. Of those, 66 percent were considered dangerous. Certification guarantees crane operators possess the knowledge to lift loads typically securely as possible. It is critical for crane operators to not engage in operating crane equipment when attention elsewhere or distracted, the most common use of a cell phone. Employers are responsible to guarantee that the procedures relevant to the operation of the equipment, including load capacity.
1926.1404
Assembly and Disassembly Violations
For Assembly and disassembly must be by a person who satisfies the standards for both a qualified person and a competent person, or by an acceptable person which is aided by one or more qualified workers. OSHA on average determined 82 percent out of 85 violations that were considered dangerous. This job continues to be assigned as a clear responsibility for the job site.
1926.1427
Operator Qualification and Certification Violations
OSHA expects employers to defend that each operator is properly trained, certified, and assessed in accordance with any equipment included under subpart CC. On average 85 citations are issued by OSHA discovering 73 percent of these were seriously dangerous. This category is the highest with citations. For certification to complete the requirements of 1926.1427, the crane operator school or organization must be a recognized accredited agency.
1926.1431
Hoisting Personnel Violations
OSHA on average identified 86 percent of the 75 violations related to hoisting personnel as dangerous. Hoisting personnel is an informative part within the areas of the certified operator exams. Certified crane operators know using crane equipment to lift workers is forbidden.
1926.1413
Wire Rope Inspection Violations
OSHA requires a qualified individual to inspect wire rope before or throughout a shift. OSHA found on average 70 citations, and 63 percent were dangerous. Certified operators are examined on the type of crane along with the type of material of wire rope and their utilization. Categorize any deficiencies found during their shift inspections and take the appropriate actions to notify the controlling entity before commencing work.
1926.1430
Training Violations
OSHA reported on average 86 percent of 60 citations were dangerous. Requirements must include teaching operators to be competent with operating the equipment that will be used for power line safety, signaling, emergency procedures, and more. A third-party provides accredited certification has been effective. Furthermore, the person being taught understands and use what was trained and is proper.
OSHA Crane Violations FAQ
What is the most cited OSHA crane standard?
1926.1412 Inspections draws the most citations, and usually not because the inspection was skipped - because it was never written down. OSHA wants the record, not just the work.
How much is an OSHA crane violation fine?
OSHA sets its penalty amounts every year. A serious violation runs into the thousands of dollars per item, and a willful or repeated violation is roughly ten times that. The current figures are published by OSHA at osha.gov/penalties.
Does an operator certification card by itself keep my company compliant?
No. 1926.1427 also requires the employer to train, evaluate and document each operator on the equipment they will actually run. See the OSHA final crane rule on evaluation and documentation.
Who is allowed to act as a signal person?
Only someone qualified by a third-party evaluator or by the employer's own qualified evaluator, under 1926.1428. Rigging and signal person training covers both the written and the practical test.
How often does a crane have to be inspected?
A shift inspection every shift, a monthly inspection with a signed record, and a full annual or comprehensive inspection. The detail is in 1926.1412 and in our crane inspections guide.
Mobile Crane Training Courses
For more information regarding mobile crane operator training courses contact AP Crane Training at (888) 501-1355 or fill out our contact form so we can better assist with a course that's right for you. You can also see upcoming crane training classes or ask about on-site company crane training. Classes fill quick!
