Yesterday OSHA responded to the many highly publicized crane accidents by implementing a Regional Emphasis Program on Crane Safety Standards. Under this program, construction sites who use cranes are subject to inspection with regards to :

• Being struck by objects
• Electrocution
• Crane tip-over
• Being caught in or between machinery
• Falls.

According to Regional Administrator Dean McDaniel,

“Past inspection evidence indicates these hazards are the leading causes of accidents where cranes are used in the construction industry. This Regional Emphasis Program (REP) was established as an enforcement initiative for the inspection of cranes used in construction, with the goal of preventing serious and fatal injuries to employees working on and around cranes,”

OSHA’s General Crane Safety requirements (29 C.F.R. 1926.550) dictate that cranes must be inspected prior to each and every use, as well as many other requirements ranging from strict adherence to manufacturer specifications, to wire safety, to pre-operation safety meetings.

The Regional Emphasis Program applies to construction sites with cranes in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and select sites in New Mexico.

So it’s time to sound off! What do you think about the measures OSHA has taken to combat Crane Accidents? Use the poll below to give your opinion. Please note all responses are taken anonymously and we will post the results after we get enough responses.  If you want to leave additional comments, you can leave a comment by using the form at the bottom of the article.

Also note : We have many resources to guide you in Crane Safety.

• Crane Safety
• Top 10 OSHA Fines for Small Companies
• When Cranes Crumble
• Crane Safety : Where Are We Going Wrong?

If you have more questions about Crane Safety, or would like information regarding a complete and customized, OSHA compliant safety program, please feel free to contact us. You can read more about our Safety Program by clicking Here.