Rules + Regs

OSHA issues compliance directive for cranes and derricks

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a new compliance directive, CPL 02-01-063, for cranes and derricks, according to nccco.org.

The directive replaces the 2014 compliance directive CPL 02-01-057 and addresses the changes OSHA made to the crane rule in 2018. The new compliance directive only revises the existing section about operator training, certification and evaluation and leaves the other sections of the 2014 directive unchanged.

The compliance directive focuses on:

• When to initiate an inspection into an operator’s training, certification and evaluation
• How to approach an inspection involving multipurpose equipment and multiemployer work sites
• How to determine whether an operator has received training that meets the requirements of the standard
• Steps to take when inspecting the certification/license of an operator
• How to address certification concerns such as fraudulent certifications or testing organizations not meeting requirements
• When an employer would need to conduct additional evaluations for an operator

For additional information, view “Understanding the OSHA Compliance Directive” at nccco.org/nccco/news-center/news-headlines.

NRCA sends letter to Department of Commerce regarding the solar industry

On May 13, NRCA sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo opposing a recent request brought by Auxin Solar Inc., San Jose, Calif., for anti-circumvention investigations regarding solar products imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The letter details how Auxin Solar’s proposal is harming NRCA members who install solar roof systems and employ thousands of workers throughout the U.S.; NRCA addressed the issue in a previous letter sent in March. As the formal investigation is underway, most solar products imported into the U.S., which constitute a large majority of the market, could be subject to substantial duties in the future and retroactively.

Unfortunately, this investigation has nearly frozen the U.S. solar panel market, which is jeopardizing the viability of companies, tens of thousands of jobs and the U.S.’ goals for expanding renewable energy and combating climate change. This is happening at the request of one company with limited production capacity at the expense of the solar industry and the renewable energy needs of U.S. consumers. NRCA continues to fight for a reliable solar market for its members.

California bill could set new heat protections for workers

A bill in the California state legislature potentially could require new protections for employees working in “ultrahigh” heat outdoors, according to fox40.com.

If passed, Assembly Bill 2243 would require the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to consider revising the heat illness standard for workers when outdoor temperatures exceed 105 F.

The board will consider requiring employers to pay closer attention to workers for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, ensure workers get paid rest breaks every hour and have more accessible cool water than usual; requiring employers to distribute their heat illness prevention plans to workers when they are hired and when temperatures first exceed 80 F or annually; and lowering the limit the quality of the air must exceed before “respiratory protective equipment becomes mandatory.”

The bill passed the Assembly May 25 and now is with the Senate for consideration.

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• Read NRCA’s letter to the Secretary of Commerce