FINAL OSHA RULE - CRANES AND DERRICKS IN CONSTRUCTION

Consideration of the new rules began in 1998.  The Rulemaking Committee convened in July 2003.  Public hearings commenced in March 2009.  As of this writing, the new OSHA rule becomes effective November 9, 2010 - barring any delays which do not seem likely - which is 90 days after publication in its entirety within the Federal Register on August 9th

Go HERE to see the final language.


Bottom line requirements;

• Pre-erection inspection of components
• Use of synthetic slings per manufacturers instructions
• Pre-erection inspection of ground conditions
• Qualification or Certification of crane operators
• Qualified riggers and signalmen 
• Documented procedures for work around powerlines

Here is a link to a nice summary issued by the Chicagoland Construction Safety Council.




The Finance and Commerce site has a nice article here.

To Quote:

"On average, 100 people die every year in crane and derrick accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

“We believe the new standard will prevent more than 20 worker fatalities every year and will prevent many injuries as well,” said David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, during a telephone news conference Wednesday. “We estimate that implementation of this standard will save $55 million per year.”

   
EHS TODAY (The Magazine for Environment, Health and Safety Professionals) has an informative article as well at this link.    Their view - It's all about the training and certification.



All construction people should be aware of CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training.  There is a wealth of information on the issues related to cranes and derricks as well as construction safety in general.

From their site:  "CPWR is committed to preventing illness, injury, and death in the construction industry through its safety and health research. CPWR heads a nationwide consortium of researchers who identify, develop and test innovative approaches to solve problems related to high risk activities in the industry. Knowledge developed through the research is disseminated through publications, presentations, the web, and training programs."

Check out this link to their site.




As you review the information provided in this post, be aware that certain provisions of the new rules have delayed effective dates ranging from one to four years from the date of publication.  Rest assured, however that as a result of the new OSHA standard, the world will be changing for Boom Truck operators.


As a major supplier of telescoping and articulating cranes in the Midwest, Runnion Equipment Company will be taking a lead in providing guidance for our customers and we encourage you to watch this blog and our website for future information in regards to operator certification, training and inspection services.  As always, feel free to contact your Runnion representative with your questions. 

We are all in this together.