A critical lift is a load-handling job that the governing regulation, owner, employer, or site procedure identifies for extra planning, review, or controls. There is no single definition that applies to every industry and job.
For steel erection, OSHA defines a critical lift as one that exceeds 75% of a crane or derrick’s rated capacity or uses more than one crane or derrick under 29 CFR 1926.751. In the 2010 final-rule explanation, OSHA said that this definition does not, by itself, require a critical lift plan for every lift that meets it.
Other programs use different triggers. A site may classify a lift as critical because it uses multiple cranes, passes near vital equipment, involves a hazardous or irreplaceable load, has unusual rigging, or could cause severe consequences if control is lost. The applicable procedure determines whether the plan must be written, engineered, or formally approved.
For construction lifts in which more than one crane or derrick supports the load, OSHA separately requires planning by a qualified person under 29 CFR 1926.1432.
Learn how the 75% threshold works, see how a critical lift differs from a heavy lift, or review our practical guide to planning a critical lift.