October 2012, Vol. 67 No. 10
Newsline
OSHA reestablishes full protection for demolition and underground construction
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a direct final rule that applies the requirements of the August 2010 cranes and derricks in construction standard to demolition work and underground construction, the agency revealed in mid-August.
The application of this rule will protect workers from hazards associated with hoisting equipment used during construction activities.
The direct final rule to apply worker safety and health requirements for demolition work and underground construction is already being used by other construction sectors, and will reestablish OSHA’s standards by eliminating the separate cranes and derricks standard currently used for underground and demolition work. The rule also corrects several errors introduced in the 2010 rulemaking to make it easier for workers and employers to understand and implement these standards.
Pending adverse comments, the direct final rule will become effective Nov. 15. If the agency receives significant adverse comments, the accompanying notice of proposed rulemaking will allow the agency to continue the notice-and-comment component of the rulemaking by withdrawing the direct final rule.
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