Cranes and derricks standard amended to include underground demolition work

Washington – Demolition and underground construction employers must follow the same requirements for crane and derrick use as those in other construction sectors, OSHA said in a final rule (.pdf file) issued April 23.

The rule, scheduled to go into effect May 23, amends the agency’s 2010 rulemaking on cranes and derricks by eliminating a separate standard for underground and demolition work.

“It is important the construction workers in these sectors receive the same safety protections as other construction workers,” OSHA administrator David Michaels said in a press release. “Extending this rule to demolition and underground construction work will help save lives and prevent injuries.”