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.

 

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