The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued the guide, Small Entity Compliance Guide for Cranes and Derricks in Construction, to help businesses comply with the recently published Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule.
OSHA published the rule in August 2010 to address the number of worker injuries and deaths associated with the use of cranes and derricks in construction. The rule also addresses technological advances in equipment since the old rule was issued in 1971.
“Over the past four decades, we’ve continued to see a significant number of worker injuries and deaths from electrocution, crushed by and struck by hazards while performing crane and derrick operations,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “This guide will help employers understand what they must do to protect their workers from these dangerous, sometimes fatal incidents.”
The small business guide is divided into chapters that correspond to sections of the standard. For a free PDF of the guide, click here.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.
