Appraisal of crane safety preparedness following the introduction of the new occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) crane rules

This research investigates the impact of the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Crane and Derrick Regulations 29CFR 1926 Subpart CC on the frequencies of the causes of crane related accidents and fatalities. The old and new crane rules were compared to identify the areas in the regulation which had major changes made to enhance the relevance of the new regulation in reducing crane accidents and fatalities. The comparison of the two regulations showed a comprehensive change to the old regulation. Crane related accidents and fatalities recorded between the period of 2002 and 2012 were then analyzed using chi-square test to compare relative accident and fatality levels which occurred before and after the introduction of the new regulation. The chi-square analysis showed a very little likelihood of statistically significant relationship between crane accidents injury and fatality levels and crane failure causing fatalities in relation to the change in the crane regulation. However, the chi-square analysis did show a highly likely correlation between the types of crane failures types causing injuries and the changes in regulation. Proportional analysis of the data revealed a decline in some of the causes of accidents. Areas which saw a proportional increase will need further attention to mitigate the increase. The final part of the research was to develop a checklist to ensure compliance with the new OSHA crane and derricks regulations. The checklist is intended to serve as tool to create awareness for construction site workers on any potential hazards associated with their crane operations.