OSHA’s new standard addressing the use of cranes and derricks in construction replaces a decades-old version. The rule published July 28 will affect approximately 267,000 construction, crane rental and crane certification establishments with about 4.8 million workers.

“The significant number of fatalities associated with the use of cranes in construction led the Labor Department to undertake this rulemaking. After years of extensive research, consultation and negotiation with industry experts, this long overdue rule will address the leading causes of fatalities related to cranes and derricks, including electrocution, boom collapse and overturning,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis in a news release.

The previous rule, which dated back to 1971, was based on 40-year-old standards. Stakeholders from the construction industry recognized the need to update the safety requirements, methods and practices for cranes and derricks and to incorporate technological advances to provide improved protection for those who work on and around cranes and derricks.

“The rule addresses critically important provisions for crane operator certification and crane inspection, set-up and disassembly. Compliance with the rule will prevent needless worker injuries and death, and provide protection for the public and property owners,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels.

OSHA held a stakeholder Web chat on the new cranes and derricks rule July 28. More than 1,000 members of the public submitted close to 600 questions. A replay of the Web chat is available at www.dol.gov/dol/chat/chat-osha-20100728.htm.

OSHA is developing additional compliance assistance materials and outreach efforts, which will be made available starting next month.