Cranes and the use of protective helmets

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 6, 2024

Claudio Urdampilleta
Konecranes Training Institute
6104 Elm Tree Circle
Tamarac, Florida 33319

Dear Mr. Urdampilleta:

Thank you for your inquiry to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding cranes and the use of protective helmets. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any questions not delineated within your original correspondence. Your paraphrased question and OSHA's response are below:

An engine overhaul work station being developed.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 8, 1990

Mr. F. E. Brady
Manager of Engineering
Gaffey Incorporated
6951 East 12th Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112-5687

Dear Mr. Brady:

This is in response to your letter of January 10, to Mr. Hinkle of our Oklahoma City office concerning an engine overhaul work station being developed by your company. Your letter was forwarded for our response.

Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 24, 1999

Mr. Phillip J. Pekron, CIH, CSP
KETER Consultants Inc.
8270 Archer Ave
Willow Springs, IL 60480

Dear Mr. Pekron,

This is in response to your letter of 10 February, 1999 requesting clarification of interpretation of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(vi).

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) states, "The employer shall require that the operator avoid carrying loads over people." This is required to protect people from the hazard of a falling load due to inadvertent failure of the crane mechanism or operator error.

Whether crane lifting devices are considered to be part of the load and are allowed to be hoisted over personnel.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.


November 16, 2007

Ms. Vicki L. Mills
Industrial Safety Lead
1448 SR 333
Russellville, AR 72802

Dear Ms. Mills:

Newport News Shipbuilding; Notice of Application for a Permanent Variance and Request for Comments

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    80:45238-45248
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 145 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)][Notices][Pages 45238-45248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18468]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No.

Newport News Shipbuilding; Grant of a Permanent Variance

  • Publication Date:
  • Publication Type:
  • Fed Register #:
    81:51499-51510
  • Title:
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 150 (Thursday, August 4, 2016)][Notices][Pages 51499-51510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18404]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No.