The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Oct. 9 published a proposed rule that will update the existing 40-year-old crane regulations by requiring employers to follow a multiple-step process to establish a safe environment where employees can operate cranes. 

The first step in the proposed rule would require employers to analyze the ground at the site and determine if it is stable enough to support the weight of the equipment and the loads that would need to be lifted.  Next, employers would have to consider any other hazards present in the area that could inhibit the safe operation of a crane, including people and objects that are within the swing radius of the crane.  Finally, the employer would be required to train employees to recognize hazards and would have to inspect the equipment being used in order to ensure that it was safe to operate. 

The proposed rule would also require all crane operators to be certified and trained either through an accredited testing organization, by the U.S. military, by a licensed government entity or through an audited qualification program offered by the employer. 

In addition to the proposed rule, OSHA Oct. 9 also implemented a National Crane Safety Initiative designed to address safety hazards while operating a crane.  OSHA launched the initiative in an effort to raise awareness of crane safety issues and to increase enforcement of the current standards.  The agency plans to launch local emphasis programs that will incorporate increased targeted inspections of construction worksites and promote compliance with workplace crane safety requirements. 

ABC is evaluating the proposed rule and will submit comments to OSHA by the Dec. 8 deadline.

To read a copy of the rule, click here.