Maryland Labor Board Proposes Strict New Crane Safety Regulations

By Aaron Poehler

Published on August 07, 2008

Three months after the death of a worker in an Annapolis crane accident, an advisory board of Maryland's Occupational Safety and Health program has recommended sweeping changes be made to state rules for crane operations.

The board panelists, selected by Maryland Labor and Industry Commissioner Ron DeJuliis, were charged with examining state rules governing crane operator certification and making recommendations to enhance crane safety for both workers and the public. Among the new proposals unanimously recommended by the advisory board are requirements specifying that crane operators, riggers, and signalers obtain training equivalent to a nationally recognized certification program; that crane in use must be inspected daily; that a master rigger be on site during assembly or dismantling of any crane; and that drug and alcohol testing be administered to crane employees within 24 hours of serious or fatal accidents.

The Maryland General Assembly's Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee must sign off on the proposed rules before they take effect; House of Delegates Speaker Michael E. Busch was quoted as saying he expects the Committee will likely approve the proposals.

Assuming a speedy approval process, the new regulations could take effect within three months. If all recommendations are adopted, Maryland would be the first U.S. state to set training standards for riggers and signalers.

 

Comment on this article →

Share |

Keyword Tags: construction accidents, employment law

Comments

1

does someone know where to find the best house projects 2009

Architekta, over 1 year ago

2

I been told by my superviser that I must attend all unpaid mandatory meeting which is held once a month on my day off. First of all i work night shift and some meeting are held during the day which interfere with my sleep schedule. At first the meetings were not a problem for me until my superviser complained about the employees being late for the unpaid meeting and stated that the next meeting there will be a late basket with those who are tarty have to put a dollar for every minute late. My superviser distributed paperwork to sign saying that we agree with the new policy and i felt presured to sign the paperwork because everyone else signed it and it seemed to me when i glanced around the conference room that everyone was okay with the new policy. I only get paid ten dolars an hour that makes the penalty of being late would cost me 6x the amount that i'm paid. I know this is illegal.

Crystine Maxwell, 11 months ago

Your comment was submitted and will appear once approved