Photo: Philippe Gerber/gettyimages
Tumwater, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has adopted new permitting requirements for tower cranes, set to go into effect Jan. 1.
“Prime contractors will be required to obtain a permit, and follow manufacturers’ instructions, for the operation, assembly, disassembly or reconfiguration of a tower crane,” an agency press release states. “Before issuing the permit, L&I will conduct a safety conference to ensure all parties understand the requirements and responsibilities.
“L&I will consider a prime contractor’s history of safety and health violations as part of the application process. The new rules also reinforce requirements for prime contractors to immediately correct deficiencies affecting the structural integrity or safe operation of the tower crane.”
A 2024 state law directed the agency to establish the permit process. The impetus for the law was an April 2019 tower crane collapse in downtown Seattle that killed four people, including two workers. The rules were developed with input from industry stakeholders and the public.
Washington L&I says it will begin accepting permit applications Dec. 5. More information is available on the agency’s tower cranes website.
“These massive cranes operate directly above residents, workers, businesses and busy streets, so the need for increased safety measures is clear,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for Washington L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “These new rules will help make sure that when tower cranes are being set up or taken down, the company is fully aware of safety requirements.”
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Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication