The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has

called for a meeting of the advisory committee on construction safety and health on March 31,

2015 through April 1, 2015. This is a special meeting called to review a draft proposal to revise

OSHA’s crane operator qualification requirement in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction

Standard. If this proposed rule change is approved, it could mark a significant change in policy

relating to the construction industry and require updates by any company currently utilizing

crane operators.

This meeting is scheduled to take place from 9 A.M to 5 P.M. on Tuesday, March 31 and 9 A.M

to 1 P.M. on April 1. During this time, the committee will discuss the proposed changes; hear

OSHA’s presentation on the need for the change; hear remarks from Assistant Labor Secretary

Dr. David Michaels; allow for public comments; and offer a recommendation.

If you currently own a business in the construction industry which utilizes cranes, the outcome of

this meeting will be of major importance to you. If the regulation is changed, it could require

additional training for your employees, additional reporting on your behalf, and an update to

your current occupational safety and health policies and procedures.

If you have any questions relating to how these changes might impact your business or what you

can do to prepare your safety staff and crane operators, please contact us. If you have anything to

add about the construction safety and health committee meeting, please leave a comment.