OSHA’s New Crane Rule   

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new rule on July 28, 2010 addressing the use of cranes and derricks in construction.  The previous rule, which dated back to 1971, was based on 40-year-old standards. The rule was published in the August 9 Federal Register and will take effect November 8, 2010.

The new rule is designed to prevent the leading causes of fatalities, including electrocution, crushed-by/struck-by hazards during assembly/disassembly, collapse and overturn. OSHA expects the final standard to prevent 22 fatalities and 175 non-fatal injuries each year.

Guidance on OSHA’s New Crane Rule

• Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP)
  • Summary of the rule 
  • Signal person requirements 
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Includes the standard, preamble, frequently asked questions, and other resources.
• Laborers Health & Safety Fund
  • Summary of the rule
  • Summary of competent person requirements
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
  • Information on operator, signal person, and rigger qualifications
  • NCCCO Signal Person Reference Manual
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
  • Information regarding the background of the new rule, AGC participation on the C-DAC Committee, and AGC’s comments on the proposed rule

Crane Safety Training Resources and Products

CAWP Training Courses
CAWP will be providing a series of educational resources for companies to assist in complying with OSHA’s new Crane rule.

Union Training Programs

Each Union training program has courses scheduled that comply with OSHA’s new Crane rule.  Contact these Union training programs to send your craftspeople to an upcoming course or to schedule a date convenient for your company.

IMPORTANT: When requesting craftspeople from the Union, it is recommended that the request include the requirement of the individuals having the required training to meet the new Crane standard, such as signal person and rigger qualifications. 

Operating Engineers