First Federal Crane Regulations In Over 30 Years

Beth Janicek

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(866) 735-1102 Ext 395

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A couple of weeks ago I discussed a few of the OSHA requirements for crane operations. Now it is being reported that the U.S. Department of Labor will release the first crane regulations since 1971. For example, these regulations will require certification tests for crane operators. As of now only 15 states require tests, but Texas is not one of them.

A draft of the new rules would call for uniform testing across all states to help ensure crane operators undergo the proper training and make sure they can pass basic written and practical tests. A final approval of these new regulations could take another year, but when they are passed, industry officials hope the rules will cover a majority of the 96,000 cranes across the country, including 2000 tower cranes.

Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., the assistant secretary of labor for OSHA said, the proposed rule "comprehensively addresses the hazards associated with the uses of cranes and derricks in construction, including tower cranes."

Hopefully, these new regulations will increase safety in the workplace and protect those individuals risking their life to earn a living.