On August 9, 2010, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will publish a final rule in the Federal Register, revising the Cranes and Derricks Standard and related sections of the Construction Standard to update and specify industry work practices necessary to protect employees during the use of cranes and derricks in construction. The final standard also addresses advances in the designs of cranes and derricks, related hazards, and the qualifications of employees needed to operate them safely.

Under this final rule, employers are required to:

• Determine whether the ground is sufficient to support the anticipated weight of hoisting equipment and associated loads.
• Assess hazards within the work zone that would affect the safe operation of hoisting equipment, such as those of power lines and objects or personnel that would be within the work zone or swing radius of the hoisting equipment.
• Ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition via required inspections
• Ensure that employees in the work zone to be trained to recognize hazards associated with the use of the equipment and any related duties.

The new rule, will be effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register (December 9, 2010).

For more information, contact Lois Starkey at lstarkey@mfghome.org.