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OSHA Releases New Crane Regulations After NYC Construction Accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is making its first changes to crane safety regulations in four decades – the first changes ever made to federal crane and derrick rules. The tighter restrictions were decided upon in the wake of two high-profile fatal crane accidents that occurred in Manhattan, New York, in 2008.

The new regulations will require that crane operators be certified, though current crane operators will have four years to earn their certificate. At the same time, those working in the area surround the crane, such as riggers, must be qualified for the job. Other regulations include an inspection for the crane before it is erected, greater responsibility for the general contractor, who is expected to control ground safety, and stricter rules about electrical hazards.

While the rules will affect an estimated 267,000 construction companies and millions of workers, even crane companies and operators agree that it was time for tighter regulations and stricter rules – as long as everyone is made aware of the changes and has time to implement them.

The OSHA believes that these new regulation will cut the crane death rate by twenty percent – from about 100 workers each year to about 80 workers each year. In addition, according to assistant secretary of labor David Michaels, the new measures will save about $55 million in costs per annum. The new rules hope to reduce crane collapses, electrocution accidents, crushing accidents, and toppling accidents.

In March 2008, a crane collapsed near Second Ave. and 50th St. in New York City, killing workers and bystanders. Months later, another fatal crane accident rocked Manhattan, drawing national attention to crane accidents and construction safety.

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