Revised Crane and Derrick Standard Expected to be Released in October 2007

The revised safety standard for cranes and derricks in construction may be released by OSHA in October 2007, according to Stewart C. Burkhammer, OSHA's director of construction services. Speaking at the National Safety Council Congress and Exposition in San Diego in early November, Burkhammer characterized the standard as the “most contentious' that he has ever seen. The proposed standard resulted from the efforts of the Crane and Derrick Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee (C-DAC), which achieved consensus in July 2004.

After completing the economic analysis for the standard, OSHA called together a Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act Panel, which asked OSHA to clarify the economic impact of certification and training requirements in the agency's draft standard. As it drafts the preamble, OSHA continues discussions with the Office of Management and Budget and the Labor Department Solicitor.